Last Updated on June 14, 2024 by Lydia Martin
When it comes to Australian wine, few varieties can match the complexity and richness of a well-crafted Shiraz.
Shiraz wine has captivated wine enthusiasts for generations, offering a sensory experience that is both bold and nuanced.
Today, I want to take you on a journey through the world of the best Shiraz wine, sharing my experiences and insights as we explore what makes this bottle exceptional.
Top 8 Shiraz Wines To Sip
1. 2002 Penfolds Grange Bin 95
Average Price: Roughly $1299 (Dan Murphy’s)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Rich blackberry, subtle sweetness, mocha
Palate: Concentrated, silky, ripe blackberry, cedar, mocha, spices
Star Rating: ★★★★★
Why We Like It: From the moment we uncorked this exceptional bottle, the aromas of soft blackberry and cedar enveloped us, inviting us to savor the depth of the drink.
The flavors were a revelation – ripe blackberry notes danced harmoniously with the lingering essence of cedar, mocha, and spices (since most of its content was sourced from Barossa Valley).
Making good wine is a skill; making fine wine is an art.” – Robert Mondavi, Winemaker
Bonus Tip: Wines from Mclaren Vale or Barossa Valley, Australia, are tastier and pair well with good cuts of red meat.
2. 1998 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $1200 (The Red Wine Shop)
Alcohol Content: 13.7% ABV
Nose: Ripe blackberries, spice, French oak, hints of bitterness
Palate: Abundant dark berry, bitter chocolate, controlled tannins, oak
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: The 1998 Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz was a gift from a friend, and this is the first time we will explore this vintage.
The nose unveiled a captivating blend of ripe blackberries and a subtle oak presence. As we are drinking it, there are delicate notes of bitter chocolate, and the tannins are well-controlled.
3. 1972 Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $79 (Vintagewine. co)
Alcohol Content: 13.4% ABV
Nose: Aged leather, dried plums, earthy notes, subtle spice, and a hint of eucalyptus
Palate: Delicate dried fruit, hints of tobacco, cedar, warm spices, and a whisper of mint
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: We were privileged to experience this vintage, and from the moment we encountered its nose, it was evident that this was a wine with a story to tell.
As we indulged in this Shiraz, delicate dried fruit flavors unfolded on our palates, complemented by nuanced notes of tobacco and cedar.
4. 2002 Glaetzer ‘Amon-Ra’ Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $89.99 (KL Wines)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Black fruit, plum pudding, coffee, nuts, licorice
Palate: Full-bodied, tightly-knit, fine-grained tannins, excellent concentration, long spicy finish
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Why We Like It: As we took our first sip, the full-bodied nature of this wine became apparent, with a tightly knit texture that spoke to its craftsmanship.
Fine-grained tannins added structure, and the wine displayed excellent concentration throughout the tasting experience.
5. 1996 Tim Adams Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $119.99 (Dan Murphy’s)
Alcohol Content: 14% ABV
Nose: Subtle eucalyptus, blackberry, mulberry, soft tar, spice
Palate: Full-bodied, powerful, rich, glycerin, red currant, black cherry, American oak
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: This Shiraz exudes a deep, dense purple hue, foreshadowing the richness that awaits. Its nose is a captivating blend of subtle eucalyptus, blackberry, mulberry, tar, and spice, offering a sensory journey before the first sip.
As we tasted it, the wine revealed its full-bodied character, with power and richness that seemed to ooze with glycerin and extract.
It’s a genuinely uncompromising Australian Shiraz, accessible now but with the potential to age gracefully for a few years or more.
6. 1998 Rockford Flaxman Vineyard Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $399 (MW Wines)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Dark plum, blackcurrant, leather, hints of tobacco, French oak, plum, grape, and dark chocolate
Palate: Medium-bodied, rich dark fruit, velvety tannins, balanced acidity, raspberry, white pepper
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: As we indulged in this wine, its full-bodied nature became apparent, with rich dark fruit flavors that caressed our palates.
Velvety tannins and balanced acidity added structure and elegance, while the long finish was a delightful surprise.
7. 2010 Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $19.99 (Wine.com)
Alcohol Content: 13.5% ABV
Nose: Rich blackberries, violets, hints of black pepper, earthy notes, and a touch of anise
Palate: Concentrated dark fruit, well-integrated tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, savory finish
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The 2010 Yangarra Estate Ironheart Shiraz has intriguing hints of black pepper, earthy undertones, and a subtle touch of cedar, offering a sensory preview of what’s to come.
Also, the Shiraz reveals its nature with concentrated dark fruit flavors that showcase the finesse of the winemaking process. The well-integrated tannins provide structure, while vibrant acidity adds brightness to the fruit.
8. 2009 Longview The Piece Shiraz
Average Price: Roughly $77.99 (Wine Republic)
Alcohol Content: 14.5% ABV
Nose: Dark plums, blackberries, red fruits, vanilla, oak, grapes, chocolate, and a touch of clove
Palate: Luscious dark fruit, blueberry, velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, spiced finish
Star Rating: ★★★☆☆
Why We Like It: The nose is an enticing blend of dark plums and blackberries, accompanied by the inviting aromas of vanilla and subtle hints of shiraz grapes and clove, offering a glimpse into the wine’s complexity.
As we delved into this Shiraz, the great wine boasted a rich character with luscious dark fruit flavors that caressed our palates.
“Sip by sip, Shiraz unveils its secrets, inviting you to explore the depths of its character.” -Liquor Laboratory
Note: The star rating was determined based on a blind test, with 1 being the lowest and 5 being the highest. Each product was evaluated on its overall quality, flavor profile, complexity, smoothness, and overall enjoyment.
FAQs Related to Best Shiraz Wine
What makes Shiraz wine unique?
Shiraz wine is known for its bold and robust flavors, typically characterized by rich dark fruit notes such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry, along with hints of spice, pepper, and sometimes smoky or earthy undertones. It offers a full-bodied palate experience with smooth tannins and a lingering finish.
Where does Shiraz wine originate from?
Shiraz wine originated in the Rhône region of France, where it is known as Syrah. However, Shiraz gained widespread popularity and acclaim in Australia, particularly in regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where it is the flagship grape variety.
What are some characteristics of the best Shiraz wines?
The best Shiraz wines often display intense fruit concentration, complexity, and balance. They showcase ripe dark fruit flavors, well-integrated oak influences, structured tannins, and a harmonious blend of spice and pepper nuances. These wines typically age well, developing additional complexity over time.
Are there different styles of Shiraz wines?
Yes, there are various styles of Shiraz wines, ranging from bold and fruit-forward expressions to more elegant and restrained styles. In regions like Australia, you may find ripe and opulent Shiraz wines with high alcohol content, while in cooler climates or Old World regions, Shiraz wines may exhibit more savory and peppery characteristics with lower alcohol levels.
What are some notable regions for producing the best Shiraz wines?
Apart from Australia, which is renowned for its Shiraz production, other notable regions include the Rhône Valley in France, specifically the Northern Rhône appellations like Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie, as well as South Africa, where Shiraz is known for its spicy and earthy expressions.
Can Shiraz wines be aged?
Yes, many Shiraz wines have excellent aging potential due to their structure and complexity. High-quality Shiraz wines can develop additional layers of flavor and complexity with aging, evolving from vibrant fruit-forward profiles to more nuanced expressions with savory and tertiary characteristics.
Wrapping Up
The world of Shiraz [2] wine offers a diverse range of options, each with its unique character and charm.
Among the notable choices, the 2002 Penfolds Grange Bin 95 undeniably stands out as a true gem hailing from Australia.
With its captivating aromas, a blend of rich blackberry, subtle sweetness, cedar, and spices, it exemplifies the pinnacle of Australian winemaking.
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