To many of a vinous persuasion, Australia is synonymous with rich, burly Shiraz, not peppery and gamey Syrah that harks from the northern Rhone. Yet, there are a good number of Australian producers, especially in slightly cooler climates that have sought to produce a wine that is more Syrah than Shiraz. One such producer is the Yarra Yarra.
A tasting of two Yarra Yarra Syrahs from the late 1990’s showed that both had captured the essence of Syrah. Indeed, it would not be easy to pick these wines as Australian (and not from the northern Rhone) if tasted blind. This is proof positive, if ever it were needed, that Australia is much more than a one trick Shiraz pony.
1998 SYRAH
Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1998
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 30 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid garnet, showing maturity. Developed nose, animale, hung meat, salami, slightly earthbound. Meatier than the lighter 1999. Medium bodied and savoury, very much ‘Old World’ in style. A bit more intense though slightly less complex than the 1999. Would match with beef or venison very well.
Score: 17/20
1999 SYRAH
Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1999
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 20 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid ruby fading to pale garnet at the rim. Meaty and gamey nose showing a touch of smoky bacon – this is most definitely Syrah! Dry, very savoury, medium bodied, peppery, smoked venison. Tasted blind one would easily mistake this wine for a very good St. Joseph. Rather delicious and drinking well now.
Score: 17.5/20
A tasting of two Yarra Yarra Syrahs from the late 1990’s showed that both had captured the essence of Syrah. Indeed, it would not be easy to pick these wines as Australian (and not from the northern Rhone) if tasted blind. This is proof positive, if ever it were needed, that Australia is much more than a one trick Shiraz pony.
1998 SYRAH Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1998
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.5%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 30 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid garnet, showing maturity. Developed nose, animale, hung meat, salami, slightly earthbound. Meatier than the lighter 1999. Medium bodied and savoury, very much ‘Old World’ in style. A bit more intense though slightly less complex than the 1999. Would match with beef or venison very well.
Score: 17/20
1999 SYRAH Producer: Yarra Yarra Vineyard
Variety: Syrah/Shiraz
Vintage: 1999
Region: Yarra Valley, Victoria
ABV: 13.0%
Price: N/a
Closure: Natural cork
Format: 750ml
Date tasted: 20 September 2011
Tasting Note:
Mid ruby fading to pale garnet at the rim. Meaty and gamey nose showing a touch of smoky bacon – this is most definitely Syrah! Dry, very savoury, medium bodied, peppery, smoked venison. Tasted blind one would easily mistake this wine for a very good St. Joseph. Rather delicious and drinking well now.
Score: 17.5/20
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