Discover the Barossa, flavour by flavour

IF YOU ask any non-wine nerd to mention where shiraz is grown in Australia, they’ll probably say “the Barossa Valley”. True, the Barossa produces a large amount of shiraz (over four times as much as cabernet) but it isn’t such a one-dimensional beast. The Barossa is a patchwork of vineyards and sub regions all giving different flavours.

Regardless of what style Barossa shiraz you like, winter is certainly the best time to enjoy.

Yelland & Papps, Second Take, 2016

From the western ridge of the Marananga sub region. Perfumed and pretty with incense ash, rich plum and baking spices. Attractive and incredibly easy palate with violets, plums, blueberries, light milk chocolate oak and silky, slinky tannins all wrapped up with a vibrancy and sense of vitality.

◗ Rating: 9/10 ◗ RRP: $40 ◗ Alc: 14.5%

Pirathon, 2015

Pirathon is an ancient word for pinnacle. Made by Troy Kalleske from selected vineyards in the north-west sub regions of the Barossa, such as Greenock, Moppa and Seppeltsfield. Aged in French, American, Hungarian and Russian oak. Mulberry and blood plum compote with a light graphite, mineral edge, leather and sweet oak influence. Medium to full bodied; the bright purple fruit is swept along with black pepper and some ripe peach stone fruit. Serve with minute steaks or grilled field mushrooms.

◗ Rating: 8.5/10 ◗ RRP: $25 ◗ Alc: 14.5%

The Balthazar, 2011

Also from the Marananga sub region of the Barossa, an aged release from a relatively unheralded vintage. This smells of pine cones, pencils, soft cloves, dark chocolate and opulent fleshy plum. Still a youthful palate with big swags of vanilla oak, this slips and slides like a dark raspberry jelly shot. A hit of spice towards the back freshens the whole deal. Still has plenty of life.

◗ Rating: 9/10 ◗ RRP: $37 ◗ Alc: 14%