Sixty-Second Swirl by Brent Lello, Yass Valley Times Wine Columnist 

There have been many occasions over the last decade or so where wineries in the Yass Valley region have changed hands and the new owners have set about imprinting their own personality, drive, and ambition to create next-level, customer focussed wine destinations.  Nowhere is this more evident than at Tallagandra Hill Winery, out along Murrumbateman Road.  And before you ask – yes, while Murrumbateman Road is partially closed, you can still get there from the Gundaroo side, or by turning right off Nanima Road. 

The dynamic duo responsible for the get-up-and-go at Tallagandra Hill is David and Mary, who bring to bear their passion for fine wine and good times.  Check out their website for details on upcoming music events, onsite accommodation as well as food and wine experiences.

David & Mary – true ambassadors for our region were recent Australian Tourism Award finalists

Late last year, I enjoyed an entertaining and informative wine experience at Tallagandra Hill, with their wines displaying the classic cool climate characters of our region and each wine having a unique, back-note story to tell.  None more so than the subject of this week’s “swirl” – the Tallagandra Hill “The Great Ron” Shiraz 2019. 

The Great Ron

Ron was the family patriarch who, since his passing at the ripe old age of 96, “continues to watch over each year’s harvest.”

This is a classic cool climate Shiraz with a deeply dark red colour in the glass.  A swirl invigorates aromas of black plum, dark cherry and blackberry with lifted cool climate spice notes including white pepper and allspice.  The palate is medium-bodied and elegant with dark fruit flavours and a lift of dark chocolate.  There is a delicate balance of ripe fruit, lovely acid and fine tannins, leading to a lingering and elegant finish.

The Sorrows – Tallagandra Hill Winery live music events are legendary

We enjoyed our bottle with slowly braised, Moroccan-style lamb shanks with spiced couscous – a lovely combination.  This Shiraz would also go well with the Sunday lamb roast or slowly braised beef ragout.  I sourced my bottle from the cellar door, but you can also buy online for $35.