RKS 2024 Wine: Burly Barossa?

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , , , , , ,

Think Aussie Red Barossa think burly? Full bodied but not overly aggressive? Crowd friendly? Too much alcohol?  Destination wine lake?

Looking for a dainty red from Barossa? Are you hallucinating? Or are we here in Canada suffering with liquor monopoly purchases that are safe from a profit perspective. Is there more than “easy Barossa”? I suppose the only way for me to fully agree or disagree is to visit Barossa but unlike the Italians media trips there are rare or perhaps my unpopularity has denied me entry? Perhaps one day I’ll tell you the demonstration awaiting me at OPO after a negative Port review!

What about a Barossa Shiraz from Escapade Vineyards? It has been sourced from various growers in Barossa so as a blend does it entirely speak to the essence of Barossa?

Aroma: Heady and forceful but it is not clumsy. Yes Aussie footballers at 320 pounds may have a certain grace! Black plum, cassis, blackberry jam and some dark chocolate.

Palate: Surprisingly restrained tannins making this Shiraz almost “full bodied” smooth. Prune, blueberry and black cherry with acids well integrated. Moderately long finish. Discrete oak indeed.

Personality: This Canadian reviewer from Toronto must frequently deal with weakling Ontario Syrah. Ontario Shiraz from an Australian viewpoint is so weak kneed it would be laughed out of the Barossa.

Food Match: Steak Florentine. Ground lamb Sloppy Joes. South African Bobotie.

Cellarbility: Marginal improvement through to 2026-year end.

Price: $18 CDN.

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 89/100. Wine Align 87.

(Escapade Vineyards Barossa Valley 2021 Shiraz, Shanahan Wines, Green Rock, South Australia, 750 mL, 14%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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