Barossa Valley wines are seldom tame. Most often they are concentrated and bold and every once and awhile can be most enjoyable. But isn’t that true of most wines. Different wines constantly rotated should be the name of the game unless you are stuck in a rut and happy as a pig in mud with the same varieties from the same set of countries. Whatever makes you happy “good on you”! No need for a pontification from a Pontus Pilate wine writer!
This time an Oscar’s Estate Vineyard Shiraz from Australia’s Barossa Valley. It has spent 20 months in a combination of French and American oak.
Aroma: No dilly dallying here. Forceful if not muscular strawberry, raspberry and black cherry with a cola note.
Palate: Spicy, blackberry jam, black cherry with a hint of red pepper jelly. Moderate and hot finish. At 15% no wonder a bit of hot. Serve slightly chilled.
Personality: Feisty and argumentative like Elizabeth Taylor but her performance in “Who’s is Afraid of Virginia Woolf” was a joy to watch as is this wine to consume.
Food pairing: Hunan Beef or Szechuan crab.
Cellarbility: The wine is in its prime now but will hold nicely until the end of 2025.
Price: $19.95 (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 89/100.
(Oscar’s Estate Vineyard Shiraz 2018, Barossa Valley, B&B Wines, Marananga, South Australia, 750 mL, 15%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 225631).
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