Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre & Rhône-Style Blends - Australia
There was no way that Australia was going to repeat its performance of last year, when its almost indecent haul of 12 Golds made it one of the categories of the competition. But this was a really good performance again.
With a smaller entry, the ratio of submissions to medals was still impressive – and that bulge of Silvers shows that our tasters had a tough time deciding on their star wines. There are some really good sub-£10 wines in here if you’re looking for <£40 wines on your list.
These wines tend to be naturally big and plush, and our tasters had no problem with that at all. It’s a typicity that’s every bit as valid as Côte-Rôtie, and easy enough to sell to engaged punters.
Just as well, really, since five of our seven Golds were over £30, making this one of the most expensive sections of this year’s competition. Worth considering next time someone plays the ‘Aussie wines are cheap supermarket wines’ card.
Interesting, too, that our superstar wine (and Critics’ Choice winner) was a Grenache. Elegant and pure, it was a classy expression. We’d love to see more of this renascent variety.
From The Tasting Teams
‘From Barossa I was looking for fresh fruit – juicy, with tannins and roundness behind. I found those in the mid-price range. They’d work really well in steak restaurants, as well as with dark chocolate.’ Aurore Anguenot, Aviary
‘The McLaren Vale wines were aimed at gastronomic establishments – they were all in need of food. With such a wide range of prices, most places could find one suited to their clientele.’ Antóin UáRuairc, UK Midland Sommelier
‘When it comes to the more expensive ones your brain chastises you and says you’re not going to like them, and then your mouth says shut up they’re beautiful. They’ve taken fantastic fruit into the winery and not buggered it up.’ Nelio Pinto, Candlesticks
‘I get more and more people asking for Barossa. I’d push people to the more premium end, as that’s where you see more balance and varietal expression.’ Charlie Carter, L’ Atelier Du Vin
‘McLaren Vale is where some of the best Rhône blends come from in Australia – quite a lot of primary fruit, and a spicy, herbal, tea-leaf character. When they’re good they’re as good as any other region.’ Olivier Gasselin, OenoTrade
‘Australian wines are not just big, full, rich, intense wines anymore, but here they were. There was lots of clumsy winemaking. It’s a shame.’ Rémi Cousin, Le Gavroche
‘Barossa Shiraz is one of the classics of the wine world. It has to be there, and people recognise it.’ Andre Luis Martins, team leader
‘The entry level was decent, but for our list we’d be looking at the mid-range, which we’d put on at around £40. I find them very versatile.’ Daniel Eriksen, Anglian Country Inns
‘When these were good they had that really classic jammy, spicy, mocha character that’s quite complex but with really silky tannins as well.’ Laura Rhys MS, team leader
‘Grenache is useful if you get the right price, but if you’re competing against Spain and France, these need to come in a bit cheaper.’ Dave Cushley, Prestonfield House