Profiling Cab-Shiraz round the world - any tips?

Nigel Bruce · Post by **Nigel Bruce** » Sat Oct 20, 2007 8:36 pm

I'm putting on a tasting of cabernet [or Bordeaux blend] & shiraz wines from a range of regions, featuring a direct comparison of 3 mature vintages of Virgin Hills (1983, 85 & 8

and 3 maturing Trevallons (1989, 1990, 1995), a 1999 Argiano Solengo [which may not actually contain Syrah in that vintage), followed by some 'young Turks': MontGras Riserva 2005, Godolphin 2005, Anwilka 2005. The idea is to explore what has been achieved with this very ancient combination - from hermitaged claret to Max Schubert filling in cab's 'hollow middle'- in these very different climates. Just wanted to ask what kinds of style and flavour differences I might expect, as I have not tried any of these.
Nigel

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Sun Oct 21, 2007 4:54 am

Nigel,

Don't be surprised if those Virgin Hills are undrinkable and well past their prime.

Nigel Bruce · Post by **Nigel Bruce** » Fri Oct 26, 2007 11:35 pm

Ric,
I wonder if adding Parson's Flat would offer a sample of an hmest affordable and yet elegant version of Cab-Shiraz to compare with the Godolphin, and 1996 Bin 389. We also have the 1006Henschke Keynton to add as a bonus.
Nigel

Wayno · Post by **Wayno** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:44 am

I'd say the 1006'd be well past it by now.

Nigel Bruce · Post by **Nigel Bruce** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 5:23 pm

I meant the 1996 Keynton :~)

Wayno · Post by **Wayno** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:09 pm

I know, just too good an opportunity.

Wayno · Post by **Wayno** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 6:11 pm

Henschke Keyneton Estate 1996
In great shape, drinking more or less at it's peak. Lovely rounded leathery notes although still quite a lot of primary fruit hanging around. Really good.

On that note, my own impression if the 96 above, for interest's sake. Drinking well, IMO.

Tristram Shandy · Post by **Tristram Shandy** » Sat Oct 27, 2007 8:43 pm

My personal favourite is the 2002 Yalumba Signature. One of the best in recent years. Still to be found if you hunt around.

Tristram

Wayno · Post by **Wayno** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 12:41 am

Agreed, great wine.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 7:22 pm

There are quite a few Sth African wineries who do Shiraz/Cab blends (usually with a bit of Merlot as well). Rust en Vrede Estate blend fits the bill.

Cheers

Nigel Bruce · Post by **Nigel Bruce** » Sun Oct 28, 2007 8:15 pm

This is a round-the-world toe-dip for the uninitiated (including myself), so I'm just using the one South African representative - one boosted by RP a couple of years ago. If we go for the style, we might feature more in a future tasting.
Nigel

The Auswine Forum

Profiling Cab-Shiraz round the world - any tips?

Profiling Cab-Shiraz round the world - any tips?

Parson's Flat?

Too right -

I'm featuring the Anwilka 2005...