Nobody would be game argue with me about my love of Central Victorian Shiraz - from the Goldfields and Grampians to Great Western, some of my favourite glasses of Shiraz have been from this part of Victoria. There is something about an emotional connection to the terroir from my youth, of driving all over the region because that's what we did for fun.
So call me biased - I am totally okay with it. I am also totally okay with the expression of self in Sierra Reed's wines. This 2020 Shiraz is a lovely example from her and is a very tasty vino. Sierra has made wine across the old world and new - from Germany and France to the Napa Valley, New Zealand and Australia. And I's hazard to guess has developed her style from all of those experiences.
Such an elegant drop with spice notes leaning toward nutmeg and cassia bark, floral elements of lavender and violet with lovely clean fruit scents of plum and prune, white pepper and the very Grampians graphite like earthy smell. It has a long and lean mouthfeel with loads of fruit, a balanced acidity, more peppery spice and a savoury finish, with vanillin oak and soft, gentle tannins.
This is the epitome of Great Western shiraz. All of the hallmarks are there and yet, this seems to have its very own style, and that can only be the Reed touch. Balanced, layered, textured and elegant, this is one for drinking now with a crusted lamb backstrap with a Greek salad on a spring Saturday evening. It will also, I imagine, develop further over a few years. Delightful.
RRP $33 at Uncle Dan's or direct from the maker
VIC | 2020 | Great Western | 14%