Variety: Shiraz

Region: Pyrenees

Tasting Notes: Exotic mix of white & dark fruits
It has aromas of fragrant blueberry and apricot along with central Victorian pepper and toasty oak. The palate is medium-bodied with an exotic mix of white and dark fruits, a touch of earthiness and soft peppery finish.

Background Information: This 2004 came about when Matey and a group of mates were spending a guy’s weekend away in Avoca. Over lunch at a Pyrenees winery, many wines were consumed and one stood out from the pack, this Reserve release. On the way out bottles were purchased from cellar door for $32.

After the weekend we phoned Rex, our contact at the winery for some as a cleanskin and here it is.

This is the winery’s flagship wine and only made in small quantities, from the best years and from superior fruit. It is based around the oldest (40 years) estate Shiraz vines. Taking inspiration from the Northern Rhone 7% Viognier was co-fermented with the Shiraz, to dryness. Maturation for 20 months in new and two year old French and American oak barriques before final barrel selection.

At the 2007 Royal Melbourne Show it was awarded a Gold Medal in Class 54 and was short listed with three other wines for the Premier’s Gold Trophy for ‘Best Victorian Wine in Show’.

It received 55.5 points in Class 54 and below are some of the wines it beat and a rough guide to their retail pricing:

51 points - 2004 Wolf Blass Black Label ($120)
51 points - 2004 McWilliams 1877 Cabernet Shiraz ($80)
51 points - 2004 Taltarni ‘Cephus’ ($80)
50 points – 2004 Penfolds Bin 389 ($50)

Vintage: 2004

State: Victoria

Country: Australia

Alcohol Content: 14%

Standard Drinks: 8.3

Preservatives: 220

Bottle Top: Cork

Bottle Size: 750ml

Red/White Wine: Red