Tasting 05 - Shiraz - Results

Tasters were: Simon, Heike, Philip, Deborah and Brett.



1. Secret Places Shiraz 2002
Made by Kilikanoon from the Barossa Valley, this wine was very well balanced straight out of the bottle. It had aromas of soft plum and blackberry, with hints of caramel and spice. On the palate it was very smooth and medium bodied, with soft fruit and velvety tannins. Very well integrated with a tight dry finish. (WINNER).

2. Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2004
Again from the Barossa, this shiraz had plum and cherry flavours, with earth and a touch of banana leaf. A little thinner in body, it was well balanced with toasted oak and a soft dry finish. (2nd Place).

3. Charles Melton Shiraz 2001
Unfortunately this wine was corked, so we couldn't rate it. (Un-rated)
The dense ruby/purple-colored 2001 Shiraz is a full-throttle, classic South Australian Shiraz possessing abundant aromas of new saddle leather, creme de cassis, smoke, earth, and licorice. Full-bodied, powerful, and potent, with surprising purity as well as overall symmetry for a wine of its size, it will age for 5-10 years. - Robert Parker

4. Shottesbrooke Shiraz 2004
From McLaren Vale this showed promise. Initially relatively thin it had interesting aromas of strawberry, berries and spices. Palate wise it was mostly fruit, and not much oak. Light tannins and not much length. (3rd place)

5. Mount Langhi Ghiran Cliff Edge Shiraz 2002
From Victoria, this wine had a minimal bouquet. On the palate it gave more, being rich plum and berries, with decent weight and firm structure. Good body and length, but really needs a bouquet which may explain it's price reduction at the moment. (4th place)

Suggested wine for next tasting was Riesling, with a Fondue and Schnapps.

Big thanks to Simon and Heike for hosting a lovely evening.