The Face of Australian Wine Meets the Palate of Snooth's Tasting Panel

Australian Shiraz has had a tough time of it lately. Many fine and historic wines have been pushed to the back burner as inexpensive private labels designed for the American Market have captured an ever increasing share of the demand for Shiraz. It's a shame that people have painted Shiraz with such a broad brush since these wines offer value that is hard to compete with!

Shiraz is Australia's most popular red wine and has a history in the country that goes back over 175 years. That history and popularity must mean something. Old Bridge Cellars is so convinced that you'll come to love these wines as much as we do that they are offering the Snooth community an amazing introductory offer - buy any 3 bottles and receive 25% off your order. Try 6 bottles and the discount jumps to 33%. Just enter your exclusive discount code when you check out: Snooth3pack if you're ordering 3 bottles or Snooth6pack if you are ordering 6 bottles. With prices like these Shiraz might just become your favorite wine too!

Much of the very inexpensive wine that comes from Australia is to authentic Australian Shiraz as Egg Foo Yung is to Chinese cuisine. They are Shiraz in name only. By using these wines as the yardstick by which to judge Australian Shiraz you miss the great, yet very affordable examples that have the tell-tale signs of explosive fruit, cracked pepper, leather and vanilla that make these wines so compelling!

We tend to think of Shiraz as a specific category of wines, and producers around the world have reinforced this notion as they have adopted Shiraz for their bottlings of Syrah that are particularly fruit forward. In fact, Australia's vineyards span a continent as broad across as the United States with myriad microclimates and styles, all of which deserve your attention.

Leeuwin Estate's 2004 Siblings Shiraz - Margaret River, Western Australia

$19.37

A delicious, sleek, red fruited, cool climate Shiraz from Western Australia that offers great complexity on the nose, a lovely mouthfeel and incredible balance. It is restrained and elegant yet with all of the intense flavor we've come to love.

Zonte's Footstep 2007 Shiraz-Viognier - Langhorne Creek, South Australia

$15.00

Adds a dollop of Viognier to the mix yielding a wine with an irresistibly fragrant bouquet. Marries the black fruit of Shiraz to the floral, honied tones of Viognier. Dusty and fruity on the palate with power and length in harmony.

Kilikanoon's 2006 The Lackey Shiraz - Clare Valley, South Australia

$8.49

A great introduction to the classic style of Aussie Shiraz that blends parcels of the finest fruit from South Australia. Displays a lovely purity and balance with a layered yet fresh style.

If you're just beginning to explore Australian Shiraz there is no finer place to start than the historic house of d'Arenberg. During our recent blind tastings the wines of d'Arenberg stood out with compelling wines at every price point. It is rare indeed to find a selection from any producer that is so good across the board. These are wine to buy and share. You feel as good giving these as gift as you would receiving them!

d'Arenberg 2006 Stump Jump - McLaren Vale, South Australia

$6.95

A classic Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre blend that offers a blast of raspberry and strawberry fruit in a soft, east drinking style. Fresh and bright this is the crowd pleaser for your next party!

d'Arenberg 2004 The Love Grass Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia

$11.15

Shiraz with a bit of Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varieties adding complexity. Big, rich and chewy with a beguiling freshness that blossoms in the glass.A lovely bit of exotic funk backs up the bright long boysenberry fruit.

d'Arenberg 2006 The Footbolt Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia

$7.99

100% McLaren Vale Shiraz.Quintessential Australian Shiraz with a bold blend of fruit, spice and oak. This SCREAMS VALUE! Great today, tomorrow and for years to come! Buy it by the case!