Following on from my Cabernet compilation on Monday, let me introduce you to the Shiraz/Syrah selection. Twenty of the better Shiraz to pass the desk in April, all in one handy …
The Story Marsanne Roussanne Viognier 2015 Rory Lane's Rhone blend comes from the Westgate Vineyard in the Grampians, which is a great spot for Shiraz (which by conventional wisdom all Rhone …
Best's Great Western Sparkling Shiraz 2013 I remain perplexed that more Australian Shiraz lovers don't appreciate the sparkling form. What isn't there to like? It's red wine, but for Australian weather. …
The Story Grampians Shiraz 2014 Rory Lane's latest Shiraz and it's a beauty - if in need of another 2 years minimum to show it's best. Sourced from three Grampians Shiraz …
R. Lane Vintners Westgate Vineyard Grampians Shiraz 2014 When you're presented with absolute primo fruit you've got to go 'all out'. To really think 'how can I make the best bloody …
Here's another new name to add to the list. Livewire is the label of Anthony Brain, a former chef who has spent time as winemaker for Bellarine Estate and De Bortoli (amongst …
Mount Langi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2014 I'm not even sure this is commercially released, but expect high points and plenty of praise when it lands. The only thing working against this …
Now here is a quite unexpected exclusive. These new 2014 Best's super premium releases aren't due to be released for another few weeks, but a kindly wine rep popped around with …
150 eh? Not a bad innings. Best's celebrate their 150th birthday next year and they're making a big deal about the occasion with special new packaging. To honest, I'd demand new livery …
Sneak peak at 2012 Torbreck RunRig and more from Game of Rhones Today was the Sydney instalment of Game of Rhones, a clever event from Dan Sims' Bottleshop Concepts. What it …
Best's White Gravels Hill Great Western Shiraz 2012 This is largely a cellar door only job, but one worth hunting out (though Great Western really is the middle of nowhere, so …
MT.0° Shiraz 2012 (Grampians/Alpine Valleys, Vic) 14%, Screwcap, $25 This comes from the Grant Burge owned 'Vignerons of the world'. A blend of Grampians/Alpine Valleys fruit in some quite modern packaging. I'd love …
Best's Thomson Family Shiraz 2012 (Grampians, Vic)14.5%, Screwcap, $200 It's hard to think about this red without putting into the context of the dusty Best's cellars and those wonderful old vines …
The Story Garden Gully Shiraz 2011 (Grampians, Vic)13.5%, Screwcap, $50 100 year old vines, open fermentation in old, open puncheons, 40% whole bunches, tiny production (just 80 dozen made) and bottled …
At 18, I started working in a small suburban bottleshop, largely to buy cheap beer. It was my first year of university, slogging through physics and chemistry, so a liquor shop seemed like fun. Needless to say, I discovered wine, and my life evolved with a unique dual focus - wine and the environment.
Twenty one years later and I spend my days wearing many (wine) hats, mostly as a writer, presenter and marketer. and judge at wine shows around the world...Read more