In the last twenty years, Australia has become a wine juggernaut its current strategy will allow its growth to continue well into the foreseeable future. Most of the wine regions are clustered in Southern Australia, most notably in Southeastern Australia. Australia grows a diverse variety of grapes, and makes almost every style of wine imaginable, from sparkling wines to ‘sticky' dessert wines. Australia's wine regions are many but the following regions are most important: New South Wales, Victoria, Barossa, Clare and Eden Valley, Mclaren Vale, Adelaide Hills, and Western Australia. Shiraz is the primary grape in New South Wales, but Australia's most famous white, Hunter Valley Semillon hails from here. Hunter Valley Semillon is picked when ripe and made like a barrel-fermented Chardonnay. Victoria's principal grapes are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Cabernet. Pinot has become a favorite for Victoria's growers, especially near the coast. Yarra Valley and the Mornington peninsula are solid areas for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Yarra in particular, has become a hotbed of sparkling wine production.
Barossa Valley Shiraz has undoubtedly become one of the most famous, recognizable styles of wine in the world. Barossa Shiraz is rich, full-bodied, spicy, fruity and often laden with sweet oak and spice. Shiraz loves the ample sunshine and heat afforded by the Barossa Valley and sometimes ripens too quickly, sacrificing acidity for ripeness. Cabernet, Chardonnay, Semillon and Grenache also do well in Barossa, but Shiraz is the natural, undisputed champion of this region.
Clare and Eden Valleys produce Australia's best Rieslings, which often age beautifully with time in the bottle.
These coastal regions are pretty much ideal for vines, as they are located between the Mount Lofty ranges and the tempering sea. The rainfall is adequate and the summers are warm and there is good air drainage to prevent frosts. Mclaren Vale produces fine reds from Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot, but McLaren has also had good success with whites. Adelaide Hills has had outstanding success with whites and sparklers. Adelaide produces wines that have a lovely, fresh acidity. Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc lead the way, but Pinot Noir should be on the near horizon for some red wine success here.
More/Less
Go to page:
Page of 
92 WA at $50 The 2007 Henrys Drive Reserve Shiraz is a bit more expressive aromatically with aromas of incense, Asian spices, bacon, and blueberry. Rich on the palate, it is already displaying some complexity, good depth of flavor, and a pure finish. Give it 2 to 3 years and drink it from 2012 to 2022.
The nose reminds us of peaches, perfume, orange blossoms, honeysuckle, vanilla cream, green bananas and stone fruit. The nose's aromas carry onto the tongue. The wine has good acids. It's easy drinking and a good value at this price.
90 RP The wine was barrel-fermented and aged in French and American oak, 26% new. Dark ruby/crimson-colored, it offers complex aromas of cedar, violets, cassis, and black currants. Medium to full-bodied and smooth-textured, the wine has layered ripe flavors, excellent concentration, and a long, seamless finish. Drink this tasty Cabernet over the next 8-10 years.
92 RP Fashioned from a 30-year-old vineyard, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Shiraz St. Jakobi was aged 24 months in both new and old French and American foudres. Layered and full-bodied, with notes of espresso roast, creosote, blackberries, currants, licorice, and pepper, this rich, full-throttle, classic Barossa Shiraz can be consumed now and over the next 10-12 years. List $35.99
90 pts WS Supple and generous, a full-on burst of dark berry, black cherry, licorice and tar aromas and flavors that power through a long and focused finish. Awarded Gold Medal as Best Red Wine at the 2010 Helsingor Wine Festival in Denmark. Drink now through 2013.
The Stamp of Australia Shiraz is a deep, black plum red. There is a rich aroma of dark berries and spice.followed by a touch of smoke. Great wine for the money.
Aromas of blackberries, cassis, vanilla and mint leap from the glass. This perfectly balanced wine displays rich berry flavors, with toasted oak and soft, velvety tannins.
Smooth, ripe and generous, a supple mouthful of plum, blackberry and guava flavors that flow easily into a long and focused finish.
92 pts RP Aged in 60% French and 40% American oak, the 2004 Shiraz Saint Jakobi exhibits a dense, ruby/purple color along with a beautiful, projected perfume of blueberries, blackberries, smoke, subtle barrique, and peppery scents. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it is best consumed over the next 7-10 years. Despite the dark color, this is lean and sharp, with a tart balance to the blackberry and cherry flavors and strong licorice and mint overtones. Best after 2009. 1,000 cases imported. \ufffdHS
More/LessGo to page:Page of 
Kahn’s Khronicle
Email Newletter