Printhie Shiraz Viognier 2007 (Orange, NSW)
$22, Screwcap, 13.5%
Winery Website

NSW has the barest handful of cool climate wine regions, with few showing the promise of chilly Orange. Noted for its high altitude (for Australia) vineyards, the white wines of Orange continue to impress, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot in particular. I’m still not convinced, however, that Orange is the right place to be growing Shiraz, as there is still not enough convincing, high quality examples coming from Orange (as yet). Regardless, this is a very drinkable example at an entirely fair price.

A purple/ruby/mulberry red in colour, the nose shows quite obvious sweet Viognier characters, mingling with cool climate Shiraz to come up with a meaty, vanilla & rhubarb nose. The palate has a sweet, chocolate & slightly stewed palate, with a savoury, chewy back end & some good richness. Thankfully it steps away from the apricotty sweetness that mars many Shirogniers.

All I could think about here was eating meaty pizza – something with salami, olives and plenty of cheese. This wines is that sort of savoury, medium bodied style that the Rhone does so well, with the abundant palate acidity making it a succesful drink. The price also fits the Friday night Pizza mould very well. (*making myself hungry as I type*). 17.2