Swirl Sniff Spit - "Barossa Grounds" August 2012 - QWine Reviews

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Swirl Sniff Spit - "Barossa Grounds" August 2012

The Barossa Valley's stamp on the wine world is Shiraz. A region made up of several sub-regions, a good question to come from the evening is, "Do we really know the Barossa?"

To assist us on our mission to get to know the Barossa was Murray Street Vineyards Winemaker Andrew Seppelt who guided us through this diverse region. Terroir, soil types, and distance between vineyards were all discussed and highlighted to a very receptive audience. In Seppelt's words, "1km apart means 1 week difference in picking." An eye opener in many respects.

Below is a selection of single vineyard wines all expressing their patch of the Barossa - the "Barossa Grounds".


Eden Valley
Sons of Eden "Remus" Shiraz 2009
Dark crimson. Earthy, violets, dark berries, touch of mint on nose. Smooth on the palate. Good spice - subtle. Soft fine tannins. A pretty wine.

Yalumba Single Site Swingbridge Vineyard Craneford Shiraz 2007
Hello aromatics! Are you there? Some violets. Smooth with big mouthfeel. Punchy. Good length. Dryish.


Face off: North v South Barossa
Northern Barossa: Westlake Vineyards "Eleazar" Shiraz 2009
Earthy, floral, roses on the nose. Blackcurrants, dark/black fruits and chocolate.

Southern Barossa: Te'Aro Estate Charred Door Shiraz 2008
Check out my blog post of this wine here. This wine has stood up brilliantly.

Murray Street Vineyards
Western Ridge: MSV Gomersal Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008
Deep colour. Some minerality. Tighter fruit concentration on the palate. Great length.

Greenock: MSV Greenock Single Vineyard Shiraz 2008
Vineyard is full of organics. Great depth and length. Touch of sweetness which appealed. Integration of fruit and oak superb. Ooh la la!


Final Bracket
Greenock: Yelland & Papps Devote Shiraz 2010
Bright fruit in the glass. Lifted aromas with raspberry sauce. Palate is smooth. Fruit concentrated. Good lick of spice. Lighter finish than expected.

Central West: Whistler Estate Shiraz 2010
Violets and lavender. Sweetish oak on nose too. Dark fruits. Jammy. Peppery spice. Leather. Great way to finish the night.


My wine of the night....Te'Aro Estate Charred Door Shiraz 2008