When I saw the Paringa Estate 2019 Mornington Peninsula Shiraz having just under 5% Viognier added to it I thought perhaps it might be somewhat similar to a Côte-Rôtie of the Northern Rhône in France where Viognier is added to the Shiraz in very small quantities. Côte-Rôtie is very dear in price. I have two 2005’s which on release years ago were $60. Now? I’ll go with a more economical $32 Paringa on sale down from $37.
The Viognier was co-fermented with the Shiraz and aged for 11 months in seasoned French oak.
Aroma: Plum, blackberry, raspberry and black earth. As for Australian Shiraz in a class above most others. Happily, there is a latent raging acidity that is barricaded from asserting itself as if by magic. The only thing to send it spilling into the wine would be a direct hit from a Russian…..ooops Iranian supplied drone.
Palate: Smooth and rich with creeping tannins. A tad of white pepper. Plum, blackberry, raspberries on steroids like an East German (DDR) swimmer all with a long finish. The acids on the palate are even better hidden than on the nose.
Personality: I am what you might call a cool climate Shiraz with more in common with a Western Australian Margaret River Shiraz than those boastful big ass Southern Australian Shiraz’s. No insult intended. Up to you to determine if I am better but as we Aussie mates must stick together like our “stickie” brethren just say I am different.
Food Match: Served slightly chilled with Mushroom or Chicken Adobo. Best consumed with food.
Cellarbility: Will sail into 2027.
Price: $32 as a clearance price (Ontario).
RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 92/100. Jane Faulkner 95/100.
(Paringa Estate 2019 Peninsula Shiraz, Mornington Peninsula, New South Wales, Australia, Paringa Estate Winery, 750 mL, 13.5%, Liquor Control Board of Ontario # 10581).
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