2001 Bannockburn Shiraz

The 2001 Shiraz Geelong offers an appealing marriage of elegance and concentration. This European-styled red possesses a deep ruby color as well as a sweet, peppery, black currant-scented perfume, medium body, good depth, and an attractive finish. It should drink well for 4-5 years. Unfortunately, I can think of at least several dozen Syrahs from Crozes-Hermitage and St.-Joseph that are both superior in quality and less expensive! This winery consistently receives rave reviews in the Australian press, no doubt because they are considered cool climate, European-styled wines. While certainly well made, they are often slightly austere. My experience has shown there are few Australian wineries that can out-finesse and out-complex the finest French wines made from the same varietals (obviously, there are exceptions to this rule). However, I am speaking from an American perspective as we have access to the finest French wines, whereas in Australia it can be very difficult to find high class Loire, Burgundy, and Rhone wines. Consequently, Australian wines made in those styles are treated more generously than the actual quality of the wine merits, in large part because Aussie consumers do not have the enormous availability of French wines that we have state-side. Imported by USA Wine West, San Rafael, CA; tel. (800) 485-5753 for John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection.