March 10, 2006 - Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

The Shiraz tasting was more like a party than a gathering of wine afficionados...oh who am I kidding, they're all like that! Below you can read about the wines tried, the comments that were made, and advise from yours truly about which wines to purchase because I tell you to.

1. Jacob's Creek, Southeastern Australia, 2003. Ok, this wine was a great example of how wineries, especially large corporate ones, try to deceive the wine buying public, and why knowledge is king. On the front of the bottle, under the varietal name 'Shiraz" there was only a date, and not the typical place information that usually appears. Then, at the bottom of the label was a little story about how Pa Jacob (or whatever the wine founder's name was) started the Jacob's Creek wine in the Barossa Valley 50 years ago. Now, this would lead the buyer to think that the wine was actually made in the Barossa Valley, with perhaps the grapes coming from there too. Not true. The story was just a deceptive little way around the system of place-naming. You see, the Barossa Valley is a well-known region for growing and making Shiraz grapes and wine, so of course, Jacob's Creek wants to make the buyer think that the wine came from there, but they can't out and out lie. So, hence the story. It's only when we turn the bottle around and see on the back label that these grapes came from Southeastern Australia, a very average region for Shiraz. Damn marketing.

Now for the tasting: Peppery, dark cherries. Very average, not interesting at all. Pointless. $10. About $9 too much.

2. Lindeman's, Padathaway, 2004. Although this tasting was originally just Barossa Valley, tasters found it hard to purchase a bottle and not have to take out a loan. So the requirements were broadand a little to include most of South Australia (not to be confused with Southeastern Australia).

This inky wine had a pleasant but extremely subtle bouquet and tasted of chocolate, tobacco, and cooked fruit with a stronger peppery aftertaste. I was in the minority, and enjoyed this wine a bit more than the rest of the group who were looking for more of a punch. Definitely worth trying for a more elegant style than the typical big Australian Shiraz. $10, great value.

3. Barossa Valley Estate, Spires, Barossa Valley, 2003. The name "Spires" threw many tasters, but lots of wineries name their wines like this. It's sorta cutesy, but it eliminates the class system of using terms like "reserve" or "vintner's choice."

This wine received the most varied notes, although "musky" was a common descriptive used. From full and smoky, to slightly sweet and acidic, to even woody, this wine had an identity crisis. I found that it craved food, but in the end was unbalanced. $10

4. Peter Lehmann, Barossa, 2003. Ok, I must take the credit for bringing the most popular wine (I just do my research, people!). A surprising creamy mouthfeel with hints of butterscotch (?) and a smooth lingering finish. Very full and truly satisfying. Yum. $15

5. Craneford, Allyson Parsons Shiraz, Barossa Valley, 2003. Very earthy and super bold. Spicy, fruity, and a bit cola-like. Almost sweet, with the usual hints of tobacco and pepper. This was interesting, but not great. Try for a kick. $14.