The strong (until recent weeks) Australian dollar has had a manifest impact on the wine market. On the one hand, it is made imports more attractive. It has also made it very difficult for Australian producers to compete in traditional markets such as the United Kingdom and Europe. To say that it has been a difficult trading environment for export focused producers would be an understatement. McPherson Wines is one such producer; it’s wines substantially exported to markets including Sweden and the United Kingdom.
However, the strong dollar has seen a few parcels sold here in Australia, at very competitive prices. The Chapter Three Shiraz, from the very strong 2010 vintage, is literally garlanded with medals, including Top 100 at the Sydney International Wine Show and a Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Medals can often be taken with a grain of salt, though this wine does have some genuine appeal.
Although labelled as a Shiraz, it is, in fact, a co-ferment of Shiraz and Viognier. Indeed, it is the Viognier component, although small, which contributes much of the interest to the wine. For a relatively modestly priced wine, there is considerable complexity on the nose, which is a delightful amalgam of florals, orange zest, candied ginger and berry fruit. Although the palate isn’t quite so complex it is elegantly composed and restrained.
McPherson Chapter Three Shiraz is by no means a powerhouse or brooding monster. One wouldn’t be surprised to find out that it has been made with the European market in mind, the focus being on finesse rather than out and out intensity. All in all, it’s a rather good example of contemporary example of Australian Shiraz, unmistakably Australian but with a sense of proportion.
2010 CHAPTER THREE SHIRAZ
Producer: McPherson Wines
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 2 July 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby red. Musky, perfumed nose of Turkish Delight, orange zest, ginger, cherry blossom and dusty herbs. Dry, medium bodied, quite elegant, blueberry and blackberry fruit drive the palate that is well balanced and displays admirable restraint. All in all, this is a rather refined example of modern Australian Shiraz that places drinkability ahead of sheer power.
Score: 16.5/20
However, the strong dollar has seen a few parcels sold here in Australia, at very competitive prices. The Chapter Three Shiraz, from the very strong 2010 vintage, is literally garlanded with medals, including Top 100 at the Sydney International Wine Show and a Gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards. Medals can often be taken with a grain of salt, though this wine does have some genuine appeal.
Although labelled as a Shiraz, it is, in fact, a co-ferment of Shiraz and Viognier. Indeed, it is the Viognier component, although small, which contributes much of the interest to the wine. For a relatively modestly priced wine, there is considerable complexity on the nose, which is a delightful amalgam of florals, orange zest, candied ginger and berry fruit. Although the palate isn’t quite so complex it is elegantly composed and restrained.
McPherson Chapter Three Shiraz is by no means a powerhouse or brooding monster. One wouldn’t be surprised to find out that it has been made with the European market in mind, the focus being on finesse rather than out and out intensity. All in all, it’s a rather good example of contemporary example of Australian Shiraz, unmistakably Australian but with a sense of proportion.
2010 CHAPTER THREE SHIRAZProducer: McPherson Wines
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2010
Region: Strathbogie Ranges, Victoria
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $30.00
Date tasted: 2 July 2013
Tasting Note:
Deep ruby red. Musky, perfumed nose of Turkish Delight, orange zest, ginger, cherry blossom and dusty herbs. Dry, medium bodied, quite elegant, blueberry and blackberry fruit drive the palate that is well balanced and displays admirable restraint. All in all, this is a rather refined example of modern Australian Shiraz that places drinkability ahead of sheer power.
Score: 16.5/20
