Cabernet's biggest rival to the throne, Syrah or Shiraz as it's known in Australia is almost as versatile and makes juicy, blackberried, easy drinking reds all over the world. However in its Rhône Valley home and in and around the Barossa in Australia it makes structured, complex and alluring reds that line the world's best cellars. Very few wines in the €15 - €30 bracket can match the opulence, class and density of a good Shiraz/Syrah.
An outstanding cuvée from Torbeck, made from very old gnarly vines, it has terrific depth of ripe dark fruit supported good oak. Finishing on sweet, ripe fruit this is a classy example of what Torbreck can do.
Rasteau is one of the most famous villages for producing rich reds in the Southern Rhone. This village is now its own Cru Appellation and French wine law recognises it at the same level as Gigondas and Chateauneuf-du-Pap ...
"A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, the Rasteau Ortas Tradition is a big, chunky wine with masses of dark, dense fruit, and robust but approachable tannins. Try it with a steak or a good meaty stew. "Vintage 2007: Katherine Donnelly - 12 January 2008
Torbreck, located in the Barossa Valley, has been a unique success story for owner/winemaker, Dave Powell, whose obsession with quality has really paid dividends. This 100% Shiraz, which has been aged for 12 months in ol ...
"Deep garnet to purple colour. Invigorating nose of freshly crushed blackberries, eucalyptus, Chinese five spice, liquorice and black pepper. The palate is superbly balanced providing a medium+ level of velvety tannins and medium to high acidity. Very long peppery finish. Drink now to 2015. "Rated "Outstanding" 91 Points: Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate - 09 February 2009
The Torbreck Juveniles is an unoaked blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Shiraz. Wonderfully fragrant with hints of blackberry, dried herbs and lavender this wine is all about very pure fruit flavours.
"It is a delicious, soft, unoaked wine of vibrant cherry, raspberry and light red berries, with medium tannins and lovely spice. Ideal with tuna, salmon or dark, meaty cuts of fish, or a rich salad."Tomás Clancy - 27 September 2009
The new vintage of one of our most successful wines, a big favourite with the press, Chateau Remaury is very fine fruit-driven Minervois and this new vintage is sure to pick up as much praise as the 2007
Rated ‘outstanding’ Robert Parker 90/100 (October 2008)Even better is the 2007 Côtes du Rhône-Villages Plan de Dieu, a true sleeper of the vintage. Made from 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, it offers up aromas of lavender, b ...
Rated Outstanding 91 points by Wine Spectator this is now firmly established as one of the very best Languedoc reds, densely packed with ripe dark fruit and with excellent depth and structure.
"A core of concentrated raspberry, red plum and kirschlike flavours. There's plenty of fresh aciditiy as well, with a bright finish of pepper and spice. Should open up with time in the cellar. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2015. 4,000 cases made. "Rated "Outstanding" 91 Points
The best sub €15 Shiraz we have tasted! Impeccable quality with a superb intensity of mouthwatering blackberry fruit and hints of black pepper spice and cinnamon. A wine that punches well above its weight in terms of qua ...
Alvaro Espinoza is Chile's leading exponent of Biodynamic or "super-organic" practices, his wines have tremendous purity and depth of fruit and none more so than the magnificent Coyam. This wine we believe is the incredi ...
"This one never fails to impress and becomes even more appealing at the post-Budget prices. So restrained, yet so full-bodied and vibrant, packed with cool blueberry flavours wrapped in toasty, spicy oak... This will go down well at any dinner party where a good roast is being served."Katherine Donnelly - 16 January 2010
A wine to please the bargain-hunters among you in the coming months. Made from a Monastrell/Syrah blend thisis a lovely big, soft, ripe red wine with a slightly savoury finish, but plenty of juicy dark fruits too...Drink ...
"Made from a Monastrell/Syrah blend this is a lovaly big, soft, ripe red wine with a slightly savoury finish, but plenty of juicy dark fruits too... Drink it alongside most red and white meats or cheesy bakes"John Wilson - 22 August 2009