2002 Australian Shiraz: Suggestions?

[KMP]

The 2002 Aussies have been arriving in dribs and drabs here is Southern California but we are hearing that they are excellent. Anyone care to give some suggestions on Shiraz, especially from Barossa?

Thanks,
Mike

[TORB]

Mike, there are over 1650 wineries in Oz and who know how many Shiraz labels, many of which wont be available in the US. Can you let us know whats available and the responses will be more meaningful.

[KMP]

Mike, there are over 1650 wineries in Oz and who know how many Shiraz labels, many of which wont be available in the US. Can you let us know whats available and the responses will be more meaningful.

Hi TORB:

You'd be suprised what we can get! Especially among the so called "boutique" wineries.

I went quickly through the wines listed on the web site of the place I buy most of my wine and got the list of 2002 shiraz that they have up already (its almost certainly incomplete.) I've also listed below that wineries that they have shiraz stock from, either now or in the past (again its incomplete). The point is that any suggestion is welcome as the list of wines changes and I never know what I'll see on the shelves from month to month. Plus these guys will try to get wines if asked.

2002 Torbreck; Juveniles;Shiraz

2002 Rosemount; Shiraz; Hill of Gold

2002 Red Edge; Shiraz; Heathcote; Central Victoria

2002 Morambro Creek; Shiraz

2002 Hazy Blur; Shiraz; Baroota

2002 Clarendon Hills; Shiraz; Moritz Vyd.

2002 Clarendon Hills; Shiraz; Liandra

2002 Branson Coach ShirazGreenock Block

2002 Branson Coach ShirazCoach House Block


Majella, Penfold's, Hanenhof, Deisen, d'Arenberg, Stephen John, Kay Bros, Craneford, Best, Bannockburn, Ausvetia, Wild Duck, Summerfield, St. Hallet's, Killibinbin, JJ Hahn, Green Vyd, Gnadenfrei, Clonakilla, Yalumba, M. Brown, Cape d'Estaing, Burge, Birchwood, Avalon, ADW, Yunbar, Warrabilla, Viking, Hackett, Lengs & Cooter, Jeaneret, Genders, Clarendon Hills, Cascabel, Armstrong, Thalgara, Rosemount, Rockford, Pycnantha, Penley.

EDIT: This third list is from a mail order place here in California. Its more alphabetical which might be easier to follow.

BannockburnÂ’ Barnadown, Barwang, Blesdale, BuckeleyÂ’s, BVE, Cape Mentelle, Cascabel, Charles Melton, Christa Rolf, Clos Clare, Coriole, Craneford, Dutschke, Eden Springs, Elderton, Eppalock, Evans and Tate, Forefathers, Four Sisters, Fox Creek, Gibson, Grant Burge, HardyÂ’s, Henschke, Heritage, Hewitson, Hill of Content, Jasper Hill, Kangarilla, Katnook, Kay Bros, Kilikanoon, Koonowla, Langhorne Crossing, Leasingham, LindemanÂ’s, Longwood, Mak, Margan, Maxwell, Morambro, Morgan Simpson, Nugan, Odd fellows, Paracombe, Passing Clouds, PenfoldÂ’s, Penna Lane, PennyÂ’s Hill, Perrini, Pertaringa, Pikes, Pirramimma, ReilyÂ’s, RockBare, Rosemount, Ross Estate, Saltram, Sanguine, St AndrewÂ’s, St MaryÂ’s, Steve Hoff, Strathewen, Summerfield, Sylvan Springs, Tim Adams, Tin Cows, Tin Shed, Tributes, Turkey Flat, Twelve Staves, TyrrellÂ’s, Water Wheel, Wayne Thomas, Willows, Winter Creek, Wirilda, Wirra Wirra, Woodstock, WynnÂ’s, Yalumba


Thanks,
Mike

[Red Bigot]

Mike, there are over 1650 wineries in Oz and who know how many Shiraz labels, many of which wont be available in the US. Can you let us know whats available and the responses will be more meaningful.

And conversely there are a lot of 'export-only' labels we don't see here...

Mike, my assessment of ones I've tried/bought:

2002 Rosemount; Shiraz; Hill of Gold - From Mudgee, a good value cheapy here, around $A13-$A15
2002 Red Edge; Shiraz; Heathcote; Central Victoria - Good if you like the heathcote style (I do), around $A45

Majella, Penfold's and most of the rest - 2002's not released here yet, or only early-drinking styles such as d'Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz/Viognier

Warrabilla - Rutherglen, 2002 just about sold out here, 2003 just released, they are very high alcohol (15.5-17.5%) but balanced, they are in my cellar, both reserve and Parolas Shiraz, plus try the Durif's as well.

Elderton 02 Barossa Shiraz is good at around $A20
Water Wheel Bendigo 02 is good $A14-$A15
Winter Creek barossa 02 Shiraz is a very nice wine.

Here is the list of 2002 reds I've bought or ordered:

Berrys Bridge Pyrenees Shiraz
Cape Barren Old Vine Shiraz
Castagna Genesis Syrah
Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz
Dowie Doole Reserve Shiraz
Eden Valley Wines Shiraz
Elderton Shiraz
Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz
Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz
Gemtree Wines Uncut Shiraz
Hartz Barn General Store Shiraz
Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
Kaesler The Bogan Shiraz
Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz
Liebichwine The Darkie
Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz
Massena Eleventh Hour
Mitolo GAM Shiraz
Mr Riggs Mr Riggs Shiraz
Noons Reserve Shiraz
Noons Eclipse
Noons Reserve Cabernet
Oliver Hill Jimmy Section Shiraz
Red Edge Shiraz
Scarpantoni Block 3 Shiraz
Shaw and Smith M3 Shiraz
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz
Voyager Estate Shiraz
Warrabilla Reserve Shiraz
Warrabilla Parola's Shiraz
Warrabilla Reserve Durif
Warrabilla Parola's Shiraz
Water Wheel Shiraz
Winter Creek Shiraz
Wolf Blass A/H Shiraz/Viognier
Yarra Yarra Syrah
Yering Station Reserve Shiraz-Viognier

[707]

Mike, I don't like generalisations about vintages but believe everything you hear about 2002 South Australians, what we/ve seen so far they are stunning. The list below is not yet complete as I'll add all the Greenock Creek labels and others as they become available this year and next.

Here's a list of Shiraz I've bought, have seen as barrel samples or intend to buy, good luck if you can get them.

d'Arenberg Dead Arm
Dalwhinnie
Dutschke St.Jakobi and Oscar Semmler
Fox Creek Short Row and Reserve
Kaesler Stonehorse, The Bogan, Old Vine and Old Bastard
Kalleske Greenock
Kay's Block 6 and Hillside
Kurtz Boundary Road and Lunar Block
Lengs & Cooter Reserve
Majella
Massena 11th Hour
Mitolo GAM & Reiver
Oliverhill Jimmy Section
Red Edge
Summerfield Reserve
Rockford
Tin Shed Single Wire
Torbreck Struie
Warrabilla Reserve
Winter Creek

[Guest]

Mike, I'd have to agree with all the lists posted above and add a couple more excellent Shiraz from 2002.

Barossa's Leibich The Darkie (sold as CWs Block in the US) is a rich and thickly concentrated powerhouse.

Clare's Kilikanoon Oracle is expected to be their best yet which given their great previous vintages should be something worth chasing.

Allan

[JohnP]

A very similar list to the above, but with a few additions (and deletions), there are a few non-sa as well.

Castagna Genesis Syrah
Charles Cimicky Trumps Shiraz
Dalwhinnie
Dowie Doole Reserve Shiraz
Dutschke St.Jakobi and Oscar Semmler
Fox Creek Short Row and Reserve Shiraz
Gnadenfrei St Michael
Groom (or Marschall Groom)
Hare's Chase
Jasper Hill
Kaesler Stonehorse, The Bogan, Old Vine and Old Bastard
Kalleske Greenock (not in the US but 2003 is better than 02)
Kay's Block 6 and Hillside
Killibinbin
Magpie Estate The Sack Shiraz
Majella
Massena 11th Hour
Mitolo GAM & Reiver
Mr Riggs Shiraz
Noons Reserve Shiraz
Noons Eclipse
Oliverhill Jimmy Section
Rusden Gutz
Rockbare
Sanguine
Summerfield Reserve
Turkey Flat
Thorn Clarke Shotfire Ridge Shiraz and William Randall
Two Hands
Tin Shed Single Wire
Veritas
Voyager Estate Shiraz
Wild Duck Creek

John

[Guest]

Some of the good boutique wine I purchased which are not mentioned are
Classic McLaren 2000 La Testa ranges
Rosenvale(Barossa) 2002 Shiraz & 2001/2002 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheers
Shiraz

[TORB]

Some of the good boutique wine I purchased which are not mentioned are
Classic McLaren 2000 La Testa ranges
Rosenvale(Barossa) 2002 Shiraz & 2001/2002 Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cheers
Shiraz

I do believe the original question was about the 02's, but I have also bought some of the 2000 La Testa range, the blend and the Cab. The Shiraz at $120 is way overpriced.

[Guest]

Oops sorry about that TORB.

I must have been thinking something else.

Shiraz

[TORB]

Oops sorry about that TORB.

I must have been thinking something else.

Shiraz

No worries ..... but was it "thinking" or "drinking" something else.

[Brucer]

Hi Mike,
You listed Moranbro Creek 02 Shiraz as being available at your local store.
This wine was in the Sydney Top 100, and when I tasted it, I loved it.
Its not expensive, around A$20. I was so impressed, I contacted the winery to send some samples to the wine store I buy from. The 02 is not released here yet, as the winery still has 01.
I suggest you buy a bottle of this, and try it. I was very impressed.
Bruce

[GrahamB]

A very similar list to the above, but with a few additions (and deletions), there are a few non-sa as well.

Kalleske Greenock (not in the US but 2003 is better than 02)

John

Is this in the bottle now? Just 12 days ago I tasted 2002 bottled shiraz and barrell samples of 2003 at Kalleske. Maybe the barrell samples were only the grenache. Maybe it's just old age again.

I also thought Gavin had some barrell samples in the last week.

Graham

[JohnP]

A very similar list to the above, but with a few additions (and deletions), there are a few non-sa as well.

Kalleske Greenock (not in the US but 2003 is better than 02)

John

Is this in the bottle now? Just 12 days ago I tasted 2002 bottled shiraz and barrell samples of 2003 at Kalleske. Maybe the barrell samples were only the grenache. Maybe it's just old age again.

I also thought Gavin had some barrell samples in the last week.

Graham

No, its not yet in the bottle - but if you have tasted the 03 barrel samples you should have a good idea of the relative comparison. Troy believes that the 03s are better.
John

[GrahamB]

A very similar list to the above, but with a few additions (and deletions), there are a few non-sa as well.

Kalleske Greenock (not in the US but 2003 is better than 02)

John

Is this in the bottle now? Just 12 days ago I tasted 2002 bottled shiraz and barrell samples of 2003 at Kalleske. Maybe the barrell samples were only the grenache. Maybe it's just old age again.

I also thought Gavin had some barrell samples in the last week.

Graham

No, its not yet in the bottle - but if you have tasted the 03 barrel samples you should have a good idea of the relative comparison. Troy believes that the 03s are better.
John

John

Good, thought I was loosing the plot here.

Tasting the effect of the oak (new to old) on the wine was great. I wanted to sit under the old oak cask with a straw. The grenache was right up there with the best new Oz grenache I have tasted.

This wine will sell out fast again.

Graham

[KMP]

Thanks folks,

I see quite a few names that we get here so it certainly gives me something to work with. From what I understand the guys I buy most of my wine from have been getting the '02s in since late last year but its been slow - probably because they are so popular (and some simply haven't been released as yet). They will be having a dinner and Aussie tasting hosted by The Grateful Palate (who supply a lot of Aussie wine here) in June, but I'd like to get a few orders in before that because those dinners tend to be very popular and consequently things sell out very quickly.


Again many thanks,
Mike

[Mike Hawkins]

I met with Troy Kalleske on Saturday and two pallets of the 2002 Greenock Shiraz will be sent to the US this week. And the 03 barrel samples are superb (particularly the Old Vine Shiraz).

[KMP]

Hi Mike,
You listed Moranbro Creek 02 Shiraz as being available at your local store.
This wine was in the Sydney Top 100, and when I tasted it, I loved it.
Its not expensive, around A$20. I was so impressed, I contacted the winery to send some samples to the wine store I buy from. The 02 is not released here yet, as the winery still has 01.
I suggest you buy a bottle of this, and try it. I was very impressed.
Bruce

Wouldn't you know it! I go in yesterday and they have sold out of the 2002 Moranbro Creek Shiraz ($15US). So I got a bottle of the cabernet instead, also $15/btl, and opend it last night.

Moranbro Creek Padthway Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
Nice dark cherry color with a pink edge. Nose was quite open with berry (Blackberry), wintergreen mint (which I asociate with young Cab sauv; although here in California they call it eucalyptus - don't know if they have ever crushed a leaf and smelled eucalyptus!), and a hint of burnt toast. Has a soft entry and good mouthfeel, prominant tannins, but the finish is a little hot for me (14% alcohol). Retro nasal has berry and mint. Finish is not overly long. Recorked the bottle and will see how it takes a bit of oxidation.

The best part of the visit to the local shop was finding 1999 St Henri for $30US and being able to readily order more. I used to have a standing order for a 6-pack, but when Grange was named wine of the year by Wine Spectator it became very difficult to get the top line of Penfolds range. However I recently bought the 1998 at Trader Joe's - anyone for 2 buck chuck! Someone did give the 1999 92 points so I was very suprised to see it on the shelves. But then there seemed to be so many 90+ wines that I guess a 92 just doesn't cut it anymore!!!! I think I agree with the guy running a recent chardonnay tasting I attended. When asked what the wines had "scored" he said "I give them all 100 points"!! That really confused the point counters!

Mike

[KMP]

I met with Troy Kalleske on Saturday and two pallets of the 2002 Greenock Shiraz will be sent to the US this week. And the 03 barrel samples are superb (particularly the Old Vine Shiraz).

Been trying to track down the US distributor on the availability of the Kalleske wines. Here's part of an email I received:

"I doubt San Diego will get more than 10 dzn of the Shiraz (assuming we are able to secure 100 dzn extra cases from our supplier in Australia) & more than a six pack of the Grenache. San Diego Wine Co. & Vintage Wines will probably be the only outlets.

Suggested retail is going to be in the $50-60 range, depending on what my final pricing & exchange rate will be. If you can source directly from a secondary source in Australia, I would highly recommend doing so."

Works out to about $75AUS/btl for the shiraz! It was $38AUS/btl from the winery.

Mike

[Mike Hawkins]

Mike,

I vaguely recall Troy saying somethingabout Joshua tree being the importers/distributors. Its not a name I know, but hopefully that helps.


Mike H

[KMP]

Mike,

I vaguely recall Troy saying somethingabout Joshua tree being the importers/distributors. Its not a name I know, but hopefully that helps.


Mike H

Mike H:

That's correct. The email I quoted from above was from Joshua Tree Imports. I've been told that there should be news on availability and pricing from my local wine shop (Vintage Wines) some time this week.

Mike

[Achilles]

Those who missed out on Kalleske can try Steve Hoff's wines, fruits grown by Troy Kalleske.

[Daryl Douglas]

The 2002 Aussies have been arriving in dribs and drabs here is Southern California but we are hearing that they are excellent. Anyone care to give some suggestions on Shiraz, especially from Barossa?

Thanks,
Mike

Peter Lehmann's Clancy's 02 shiraz blend is a cracker @ A$10/btl and still good value @ a few A$s more. Great quaffer - just being repetitive - but I've probably slurped a case or more in the last few months.

Best

daz