Wine Digest - Shiraz

by Shirley Deng

Greetings, 

We're starting a series of postings to introduce the varieties of Ernest Hill Wines listed on the Wine4Two portal. 

This week is Shiraz (pronounced as /Shee-RAZZ/), also known as Syrah (/ˈsiːrɑː/). 

Syrah is a dark-skinned grape variety grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce red wine. In 1999, Syrah was found to be the offspring of two obscure grapes from southeastern France, Dureza and Mondeuse Blanche. Syrah should not be confused with Petite Sirah, a cross of Syrah with Peloursin dating from 1880. 

  • The styles, flavors of wines made from Syrah are the results of influences by the CLIMATE where the grapes are grown. In moderate climates (such as the northern Rhone Valley, and parts of the Walla Walla AVA in Washington State), productions are medium to full-bodied wines with medium-plus to high levels of tannins, and notes of blackberry, mint and black pepper. In hot climates (such as Crete, and the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale regions of Australia), Syrah is more consistently full-bodied with softer tannin, jammier fruit and spice notes of licorice, anise and earthy leather. 
  • In many regions, the acidity and tannin levels of Syrah allow the wines produced to have favorable aging potential. Syrah is used as a single varietal or as a blend. Following several years of vigorous planting, Syrah was estimated in 2004 to be the world's 7th most grown grape at 142,600 hectares (352,000 acres). It can be found throughout the globe from France to New World wine regions such as Chile, South Africa, the Hawke's Bay, Waiheke, New Zealand, California, and Washington. It can also be found in several Australian wine regions such as Barossa, Heathcote, Coonawarra, Hunter Valley, Margaret River, and McLaren Vale.

The Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia, is the oldest commercial wine-producing area in Australia, with history dating back to 1820. The Hunter Valley produces high quality bottled wines, of which Shiraz is one of the signature grape varieties, representing some of the best in the world.

Ernest Hill Wines started to produce Shiraz since 2003. Their three Shiraz wines are available on wine4two.com.sg. They are made from different batches of grapes from different blocks in the vineyards. The blocks contain vines of different ages, with the older vines usually supplying the grapes used to make more premium wines. Different ways of wine fermentation, use of different types of oak barrels, and various wine filtration methods also produce different styles of wines.

  

'William Henry' Shiraz 2017                                 

Our flagship red. Made only in select years, this wine represents the pinnacle of Shiraz making here at the Hill. Hand-selected bunches from low yielding 40-year-old vines are the foundation of this wine. A big ripe blackberry/mulberry fruit palate, subtle hints of spice, and luscious, savoury tones are blended with touches of Hunter earthiness. Fourteen months maturation in our best French oak barrels, ensures the tannins are fine and smooth.  The 2017 William Henry Shiraz has won two double gold medal awards in the China Wine and Spirits Awards and the International Wine Challenge in Austria.  It's a much sought-after collectible wine amongst wine connoisseurs.  A wine for avid wine collector or an excellent toast for your special occasion. More details: https://wine4two.com.sg/products/2017-william-henry-shiraz

 

'CEO' Shiraz 2014 

The 2014 CEO Shiraz is ONLY available in Singapore, as other stocks in Australia have been sold out. From the exceptional 2014 vintage, this wine is made from a superb parcel of grapes specially selected by the Ernest Hill CEO. It is a full-bodied wine with intense dark berry flavors, a hint of white pepper, a touch of traditional earthiness, and some toasty vanilla highlights from 16 months maturation in French and American oak barrels. Smooth tannins round out an exceptional wine. The 2014 CEO Shiraz has won Gold Medals in China and Austria.More details: https://wine4two.com.sg/products/2014-ceo-shiraz

'Shareholders' Shiraz 2016

The 2016 'Shareholders' Shiraz is a classic Hunter Valley, medium-bodied Shiraz, with rich mulberry and blackberry flavours, smooth tannins, and a subtle hint of spice. A great wine for everyday drinking. Excellent with a seared rump of kangaroo, Peking duck, or a big, fat T-bone steak on the BBQ! Drink now, or cellar to 5 years. More details: https://wine4two.com.sg/products/2016-shareholder-shiraz 

Cheers! 

 

 

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