Carrodus Shiraz 2018

Located in the renowned Yarra Valley, northeast of Melbourne in Victoria, the Yarra Yering vineyard benefits from a cool climate tempered by oceanic influence. The vines for the Carrodus Shiraz cuvée come from historic plots planted in well-drained soils of gravel, clay, and silt, providing an ideal environment for slow and even ripening. This combination of cool climate and complex soils results in a Syrah style that is elegant, structured, and characterized by great aromatic purity.

The grapes for Carrodus Shiraz 2018 are hand-harvested, sorted, and destemmed before fermentation in small open vats, with manual punch-downs for gentle extraction. After pressing, the wine is transferred to French oak barrels, a significant proportion of which are new, for extended aging to refine the tannins and develop aromatic complexity, before bottling at the estate.

This wine reveals notes of blackberry , black cherry , and plum , underscored by floral accents of violet and rose petal . Spicy nuances of black pepper , licorice , and clove mingle with subtle oak reminiscent of cedar and sandalwood . On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, supported by fresh acidity, fine yet present tannins, and a long, precise, and deliciously spicy finish.

Australia began producing wine more than two centuries ago. This has resulted in a country rich in old vines, multigenerational winemaking families, and a deep-rooted knowledge and respect for craftsmanship. Add to this a thirst for exploration and innovation, a fearless attitude, and a diverse portfolio of 65 wine regions across a wide range of climates, and you have the makings of an extraordinary wine nation. Australia burst onto the export scene in the 1980s and has since been offering the world vibrant, fruity, and exceptionally good-value wines. Until the late 1990s and early 2000s, the history of Australian wine was dominated by examples of Shiraz, Grenache, and overly concentrated red blends. Between these two extremes lies the diverse range of high-quality Australian wines and regional wines that has always existed. Australian viticulture is concentrated primarily along the southern coastline where conditions are cooler. There are four main wine regions, each centered around major cities: Western Australia around Perth, South Australia around Adelaide, Victoria around Melbourne, and New South Wales around Sydney. The country is one of the world's largest wine producers and was the fourth-largest exporter in 2011. This recent development has made Australia one of the most prominent countries for the quality of its wines. You can taste Australian wines throughout the country. Each Australian region has its own grape varieties. Australian wines are defined by their grape variety, unlike French wines, which are defined by their terroir.