Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz - 90+pts

Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The Langmeil Valley Floor is like a meta-critic constructed, amalgamation of an Aussie Shiraz; something to like for all tastes. You like deep, dark fruit in your Shiraz? Check. You like moody, mysterious eucalyptus in your Shiraz? Check. You like added layers of cocoa, savoury spice, sweet peppercorn and cola? Check. You like it full bodied and full flavoured, yet, not over extracted? Check.

If it checks so many boxes, why not a perfect score then? Because it also checks the box for 'a safe bet, something that will please fans of Shiraz but isn't too challenging'. The 'Fluffy' Iglesias of Shiraz. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Byron and Harold 2013 “Rose and Thorns” Shiraz - 92pts

Byron and Harold 2013 “Rose and Thorns” Shiraz (Great Southern) Western Australia - Australia

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $37-43
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Western Australia's "Great Southern" wine region is the state's coolest thanks to the Maritime influence of the Indian Ocean, resulting in a longer ripening period and less 'jammy-ness' in its Shiraz wines when compared to Australia's warmer regions. The "Rose and Thorns" Shiraz is an excellent expression of the region and reminiscent of the cool-climate Syrah of British Columbia.

The profile of wild berries, crushed violet, tar, licorice, charred cedar and both sweet spices and peppercorn grace the refined nose and the masculine palate. The moderate finish is well-balanced with plenty of peppery notes and a touch of citrus tang. Ready to go now. Drink 2017-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2012 Shiraz - 88pts

La Frenz Winery 2012 Shiraz (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: April 26th, 2015

Tasting Notes: A floral, peppery and minty nose opens this Shiraz from popular Naramata Bench producer La Frenz. A feminine expression of the Rhone Valley variety with ripe, red fruit and spicy-cola flavours, light cream weight, tangy, wild-berry acidity and soft, smoky tannins. Ready to be enjoyed now and over the next 3 years. Drink 2015-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2015 IconWines.ca

Grant Burge Wines 2012 Berryfield - 88pts

Grant Burge Wines 2012 Berryfield (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $23 (Australia)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Cherry and pepper galore on the nose of this Barossa Valley Shiraz with light menthol and oak aromas supported. This balanced combo carries through to the dry-yet-juicy, mouth-watering palate where the spices become more prominent on the moderate finish. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Chris Ringland Wines 2012 Barossa Shiraz - 89pts

Chris Ringland Wines 2012 Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $25 (Australia)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: December 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Fruit-forward, chewy and bursting with flavour, this Shiraz leans towards the 'too much' end of the residual sugar spectrum, but its proportioned acidity and mannered, fine tannins keep it balanced and allows the drinker to appreciate the layers of blackberry and cherry fruit complimented by eucalyptus and pepper on the nose and palate. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Two Hands Wines 2012 Angel's Share Shiraz - 90pts

Two Hands Wines 2012 Angel's Share Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores, Costco (Washington State)
Cost: $40 (BC), $25 (WA)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A cherry-cola'n'spice fuelled beauty from McLaren Vale with complimentary sweet and savoury aromas on the intense, layered nose. This 'big boy' Shiraz (mostly) handles its substantial residual alcohol (15.2%) thanks to intense, cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, a touch of residual sugar and savoury licorice and oak characters which create a rich texture to support the alcohol through to a long, spicy finish. Drink 2014-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Two Hands Wines 2013 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz - 91pts

Two Hands Wines 2013 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores, Costco (Washington State)
Cost: $40 (BC), $25 (WA)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: December 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Dense, intense and... well, gnarly. Blackberry purée, maraschino cherry, menthol, mild cured meats, spicy dark chocolate, hot tar and sweet vanilla oak aromas grace the quaff-able nose. A wine for folks who crave a chewy, tannic palate with dense, dark red fruit, Christmas cake spice and mouth watering acidity - classic Barossa Shiraz. Drink 2014-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz - 90pts

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $30-35
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2014

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Intense, dark cherry, dark cocoa, cardamon and peppercorn aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. With time to breath, more layers of cedar and light eucalyptus notes appear and add depth. The equally intense palate follows with sharp acidity, mannered fine tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract flavours. The finish is mouth-watering and oaky with residual cherry puree and anise notes lingering moderately.

Having been sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure, there are many years left for this intense Shiraz to mature further and mellow. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz - 88pts

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz (South Australia) Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $20-28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Intense, biting dark cherry and black pepper aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. When your nose adjusts to the intensity, you'll find more layers of cardamon, cedar and light eucalyptus notes to enjoy before moving on to the equally intense, modern Australian Shiraz palate: sharp acidity, moderate tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract. Finesse and elegance are not on offer here, but what it does, it does well. Enjoy with grilled meats over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz - 90pts

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Limited. 2011 vintage since released
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: August 15th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Opens with a feminine nose of generous white pepper, burnt cedar, fresh violets and dark cherry aromas followed by a well balanced and similarly flavoured, spicy dry palate. Comparable in style to other 2010 BC Syrah which yielded a more aromatic and lighter bodied style with ripe, fine tannins rather than the beastly, mouth-drying tannins of previous vintages. Ready to be enjoyed now and over the next 3 years.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz - 89pts

La Frenz Winery 2010 Shiraz (Naramata Bench) Okanagan Valley - BC

Availability: Sold out at the winery here. Check private stores and restaurants
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: June 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Back after a year off the La Frenz portfolio due to severe winter damage in 2009 that wiped-out the vintage of the variety. Labeled as "Shiraz" in reference to proprietors Jeff and Niva Martin's Australian heritage, though produced in cool-climate, Northern Rhone style with intense black pepper and ripe cherry aromas and hearty, cured-meat notes.

The dry palate has good balance with a slight tart edge to the acidity. Leaner body than in previous years (2008) with mineral, white pepper, black cherry and light coffee grind flavours. Moderate tannins and a leaner profile suggests enjoying this BC expression of the Rhone Valley variety over the first 2-3 years. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love - 94-95pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $100-110
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: When compared to the winery's iconic Velvet Glove, the Carnival of Love shiraz is a bit more attention seeking and blatantly superb. The Avis rental cars of elite level Shiraz - it has to try a little harder. This effort tends to make it, again comparatively, a better bargain than the aforementioned icon wine, delivering most of the refinement and all, if not more, of the concentration and pure expression of fruit. A trophy wine to be sure, but one you're likely to actually open. Drink Now-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: If you stand a bottle of Carnival of Love next to its cousin, the Enchanted Path, the two labels make one complete design linking the stories of all the Mollydooker wines together.

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove - 95-96pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited. BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $250
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: For a truly iconic and cellar worthy wine, the Velvet Glove Shiraz is surprisingly approachable in its youth. The massive concentration is so well refined and balanced that just a drop on your tongue will express enough character for you to remember that moment forever. The sweet plum fruit opulence and silky smooth texture is described by the winemaking team as "fruit weight" for which they award it a near perfect score. Whatever the language used, this wine sits in your mouth like it was destined to be there. The finish goes on and on with complex layers of fruit and savoury flavours. Drink now-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Tahbilk 2007 Shiraz - 88pts

Tahbilk 2007 Shiraz (Nagambie Lakes) Victoria - Australia

Availability: Limited. BCLDB Stores
Cost: $18-25
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This 2007 vintage Shiraz, from one of Australia's oldest estate wineries, has already enjoyed 18 months in oak and a further 3+ years in the bottle to mellow and meld. The acid is crisp and the tannins are fine resulting in a wine that offers good balance between its black fruit and oak characters with a full but not gooey mouth feel. The developing bouquet greets you with pleasing green spice, oak, cherry cola, anise and chocolate aromas. The finish is moderate with tart red fruits flavours and some lingering cracked black pepper notes. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Gemtree Vineyards 2009 Bloodstone Shiraz - 88pts

Gemtree Vineyards 2009 Bloodstone Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 6th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A nice change from the standard in-your-face fruit-bomb intensity that you may have grown accustomed to from Aussie Shiraz. This McLaren Vale product has an appealing nose of sweet cherry fruit, menthol and mineral notes but it is the intriguingly moderate and terroir-driven palate that makes this a wine worth seeking out. This middleweight, masculine Shiraz offers blackberry, sour cherry, rhubarb and oak flavours with loads of savoury spice making the most memorable impression. Mineral characters float behind the spice and fruit suggesting the winemakers wanted to express more than ultra-ripe fruit with this wine. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mitolo Wines 2009 Jester - 90pts

Mitolo Wines 2009 Jester (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: January 29th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Aged in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak for only 9 months, this potent Shiraz seems to get most of its character and tannin bite directly from the sunny, dry McLaren Vale vineyards. This makes for a more approachable wine than many of its high tannin, overly oaked, down-under cousins, though the expected intensity is still present. Produced by Ben Glaetzer for Mitolo Wines, the wine offers some classic Aussie Shiraz notes of cherry-cola, blackberry, eucalyptus, anise and pepper with a finish that is long and well balanced. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Schild Estate 2008 2nd Blend Barossa Shiraz - 88pts

Schild Estate 2008 2nd Blend Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley) Australia

Availability: BCLDB Signature Stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: January 6th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A dense, tart and juicy Shiraz with big, dark red fruit mingling with licorice and pepper aromas which envelope the nose sensually. Concentration continues through to the palate with similar flavours and intensity yet never strays towards the dreaded "jammy" character of so many modern Aussie Shiraz. Mouth-watering acidity brightens the palate and keeps the dense fruit and oak flavours feeling fresh with sour rhubarb notes.

Pair with your favourite recipe for BBQ ribs. Ready to be enjoyed now and has the tannins and acid to last another 3 more years, but development may be minimal, so why wait? Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Henry’s Drive Vignerons 2009 Morse Code Shiraz - 86pts

Henry’s Drive Vignerons 2009 Morse Code Shiraz (Padthaway) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Widely available at private and BCLDB stores
Cost: $14
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: November 10th, 2011

Tasting Notes: At first glance, just another brand-driven Aussie Shiraz. Upon further investigation one discovers a tasty, fruit-driven, ripe and extracted, but not over done, Aussie Shiraz that over delivers for the price with nice mixed-berry, eucalyptus and licorice characters. A touch of sweetness resides on the tart, yet mild-mannered palate but rest assured we're miles from Yellowtail territory here. Enjoy as a satisfying Tuesday night treat or let it accompany you to your next BBQ. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer - 89pts

Mollydooker Wines 2008 The Boxer (Naramata Bench) Australia

Availability: Widely available at BC signature stores
Cost: $35-37
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: December 27th, 2010

Tasting Notes: To off-set the high alcohol, The Boxer is highly extracted with impressive concentration of classic Shiraz characters: dark cherry and white pepper. This concentration of aromas and flavours, which also include candied fruit, leather and espresso, mask most of the alcohol, but sadly, not enough to avoid the balance leaning towards the "hot" end of the spectrum. Smooth, integrated tannins and mouth watering acidity add to the packs-a-punch texture. A slight Port-like finish due to the massive concentration and touch of residual sugar.  Drink 2011-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca

Glaetzer Wines 2009 Amon-Ra - 97+pts

Glaetzer Wines 2009 Amon-Ra (Ebenezer) Barossa Valley - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and private wine stores
Cost: $84.99
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: March 26th, 2011

Tasting Notes: Vines ranging in age from 50-120 years old produce the fruit for this world icon of Australian Shiraz. Such old vines yield minuscule quantities of grapes (about a half-tonne per acre) but the grapes that do grow contain intense concentration. 100% new oak (80% French, 20% American) is used during élevage (15 months) to add structure and complexity, but the key to this wine is the careful selection of the fruit - only the best of the best is used to preserve the elegance and refinement one expects from the Amon-Ra.

To write that this wine is complex is an understatement. The nose starts with ripe cherry, floral, white pepper, cinnamon, orange zest and warm oak aromas and then, given ample time to open-up, later evolves into a rich milk chocolate seductress. The dry palate follows with layers of prominent dark cherry, bright red fruit, leather, tobacco and toasted oak flavours. Near-perfect balance has been achieved by managing extraction creating rounded tannins that confidently support the massive concentration on the palate but never out-shine the fruit characters. The finish is very long with lingering spice and oak notes. Medium-plus acidity will mellow with another two years plus of aging and then the sky's the limit for this amazing wine. Drink 2013-2025+.
 - Liam Carrier (with Hugh Carter) ©copyright 2011 IconWines.ca