There is nothing like a good Shiraz to tickle the taste buds
for us dry red wine lover. And this Shiraz
is well under $20 in most places.
Morse Code Pathaway Shiraz (I tasted the 2010) from South Australia is
delightfully flavorful and balanced. Produced by Henry’s Drive Vineyards on the Limestone
Coast, this Shiraz is aromatic and fruit-driven with minimal oak, reflecting the
regional flavors. If you enjoy bright
black fruits – plum, black cherry, a hint of blueberry – with some spiciness and a touch of
chocolate -- this wine’s a great choice. The tannins are smooth too – a personal
preference.
In 2012, this wine gathered 2 bronze medals in some
impressive competitions: the
International Wine challenge and the San Francisco International Wine
Competition.
For those who like history, Henry’s Drive is named after the
of the 19th century mail coach service that ran through the
property. See www.henrysdrive.com.
And for the viticulturalists, the dark-skinned Syrah grape is genetically identical to the Shiraz, but there are stylistic differences in the Australia production and
terroir (specific vineyard characteristics) that produce a wine with
unique, defining characteristics when compared with the Syrah’s from France.
Both are very good, but just delightfully different from each other.
Cheers!
