Sixty-Second Swirl by Brent Lello, Yass Valley Times Wine Columnist
We should all know by now that Shiraz is a super-star grape variety of the Yass Valley region. Most producers in the region have at least one example on offer amongst their stable of wine wares. No doubt too that the versions produced in this region are stylistically different from those big and bold Shiraz wines from warmer wine climates such as Barossa and the McLaren vale. “Our” wines can be more refined, complex and elegant while Shiraz from warmer areas is often more fruit-forward and higher in alcohol. So, same grape variety, but two very different taste experiences. I like how some wine producers differentiate their style from those of warmer climes by labelling them as “Syrah” rather than Shiraz. An excellent example of cool climate Syrah is the focus of this week’s “swirl” – the Eden Road The Long Road Syrah 2021.
This schick Shiraz is a deep red colour in the glass with flashes of purple at the edge. A swirl invites aromas of black cherry, ripe blackberry and a smattering of cool climate spice notes including a crack of white pepper, and a hint of star anise. The palate is tongue-coatingly smooth and of medium weight and loaded with juicy, bright red and black fruit flavours, with a lovely line of acidity that sets the taste buds singing. The finish is long and lively with a delightful, food-friendly savoury edge.
We enjoyed our bottle with a chargrilled, grass-fed scotch fillet of beef with pepper sauce and the combination was a winner. This would go really well with a Thai beef salad or a slow-cooked Indian-style lamb curry. I sourced my bottle direct from the Columbian charismo – “G” – at the Eden Road cellar door, but can be easily found in local bottle shops or online for $30 per bottle here: https://edenroadwines.com.au/
