Overview
McLaren Vale's ancient ironstone and sandy soils, combined with sea breezes from Gulf St Vincent, produce Shiraz of extraordinary complexity — more structured and savoury than Barossa, with a characteristic chocolate-and-licorice depth. Old vine Grenache from 80-year-old bush vines rivals the finest Châteauneuf.
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep purple
- Nose
- Dark cherry, Blackberry, Plum, Licorice and Spice.
- Palate
- Seductive, chocolate-rich Shiraz — savoury and hedonistic. Generally very full-bodied, medium acidity, medium tannins, dry, with a long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Very Full5/5
Tannins Medium3/5
Acidity Medium3/5
Sweetness Bone Dry1/5
Alcohol High4/5
Grapes
ShirazGrenacheMourvèdreCabernet Sauvignon
Aromas And Notes
Dark cherryBlackberryPlumDark chocolateLicoriceSpiceChocolateOliveLeatherCoffeeGameEarth
Terroir
Mediterranean — warm, dry. Gulf St Vincent sea breeze critical for freshness.
Ironstone-rich claySandy loamBiscay clayTintara soils
Food Pairings
Slow-roasted lambKangaroo filletGrilled mushroomsAged hard cheese
Notable Producers
- d'Arenberg, founded 1912 - The Dead Arm Shiraz
- Clarendon Hills, founded 1990 - Astralis Shiraz
- Wirra Wirra, founded 1894 - RSW Shiraz