Shiraz was the first variety planted at Sir Paz, establishing Block A at the front of this stunning estate, right on the top of the hill. Some would say it was a gamble to found the estate on this variety while the rest of the valley focused on Cabernet and Pinot, but with its consistent intensity and cool climate spice it’s proven itself a worthy flag-bearer. This wine is produced from a combination of fruit from Block A and some smaller parcels, including a small percentage of co-fermented, estate-grown Viognier. The grapes were selectively hand-picked, then destemmed to maintain whole berries. Blocks were vinified separately, with cold-soaking utilised to build intensity before fermentation, then maturation in French oak (30% new) for 18 months.
2019
“Gorgeously styled and expressed, the inviting bouquet shows blackcurrant, tar, game, star anise and toasted almond characters, leading to a superbly weighted palate offering richly textured mouthfeel with layers of polished tannins. The wine delivers opulent fruit flavours with savoury nuances, finishing impressively long and structured” 95 Points, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
“Complex, elegant with savoury and herbal characters. Fresh, pronounced intensity” Gold Medal, Japan Wine Challenge 2024
“Meaty notes mix with rose petals and red plums, suggesting some development. The palate offers an enticing mix of primary and tertiary flavours: red plums, mulch, and iron shavings. This is drinking nicely. It’s quite elegant and fresh with a teasing amount of complexity. Fine, chewy tannins to finish.” 91 Points, Gabrielle Poy, The Real Review
“Co-fermented with a small percentage of viognier; matured in a combination of new and seasoned French hogsheads. Deep ruby. Darkly fruited, there are warm spices together with some oak-derived cedar and vanilla pod scents. The palate is plushly fruited with ripe, soft tannins rounding out a wine to enjoy now and over the next three to four years.” 91 Points, Philip Rich, Halliday Wine Companion
