Shiraz, Cardigans and Leather Elbow Patches

Some of our tour guests have a view that all Barossa shiraz are very similar. That the concept of terrior doesn’t really exist in the New World. Well low and behold many regions around South Australia are very varied. Barossa and McLaren Vale are two great examples of this sub-regionality. Soils vary significantly, climates and temperatures also vary.

To explore these concepts Barossa HQ recently had its first online wine tasting. With wines from across Barossa Valley and Eden Valley. This was a tasting which anyone could join in the comfort of their own home. So put on the fluffy slippers, get out the good glassware, and no need to take off the dodgy cardigan with the leather elbow patches (no one can see you).

In the line up for the tasting were some single site wines from Turkey Flat, Dutschke, St Hallet and Yalumba. In my glass I had Yalumba’s 2006 Single Site Fromm Vineyard Shiraz. This was from Lyndoch in the southern part of Barossa. The vines were planted in this 2 acre block on their own roots in 1935. The area around Lyndoch is the lowest in the Valley and one of the earlier to ripen. The soils are generally ironstone, loam, and sand over clay. Typical of this region there is a rich ripe unctuousness to the wines.

In appearance the Yalumba’s Fromm Vineyard Shiraz looks like one serious shiraz. Aromas of ripe red and dark fruit, with hints of very dark chocolate and a slight savoury edge. In the mouth this is definitely a soft and succulent wine – typical of the Lyndoch area. Sweet dark and brooding fruit upfront, with layers of mocha and vanilla, probably from the oak (43% new French oak 22 months, 57% older American oak). An interesting subtle savouriness, almost of roast meats at the finish. And a sensational length too. Fine powdery tannins support the finish. Definitely a rich and lingering example from Lyndoch.

At once this is both a gutsy and an elegant wine. Sort of Mike Tyson is a velvet smoking jacket. Possibly without the leather elbow patches though.

RRP $59.95
Alc 14.5%
Closure: Cork
Scores: James Halliday 95pts, Tyson Stelzer 95pts, Campbell Mattinson 94pts
Sample: Provided by producer