Yangarra - 2006 McLaren Vale Single Vineyard Shiraz

The other day, my wife was on the way home from work and called ahead to ask if I would like some wine with dinner. I said, "Sure... how about a Shiraz?" Additionally, I suggested the Greg Norman. When she got to the store, she asked the proprietor about my request, and he said they didn't have that one, however, we have this wine here that he found to be better than the Greg Norman. So she went with his suggestion.

Let me tell you, I'm very glad she did. The Yangarra 2006 Shiraz is a wine and explosion for the senses. Immediately, the bouquet of aromas of black cherry, currants, and subtle earth tones get your attention as to the nature of this wine. The color reminds me of a dark cherry color with a ruby iridescence to it. The flavor is on the dry side, but not overpowering, with the taste currants, a hint of oak, with a slight tartness in the finish. Sipping this with a piece of dark chocolate brings some new flavors.

At just under $20.00 the wine was definitely quite a surprise. Though being a bit old fashioned when it comes to how my wines are bottled, the screw cap was a bit of a put off, though this is the current trend. Real cork is at an absolute premium. Though their are synthetic corks, It might be due to availability for the winery that they use screw caps. From what I understand, the Yangarra Winery is in a remote location near St. Vincent in Australia.

This wine won Honors at the 2008 San Francisco Wine Competition winning Best of Nation for Australia, and "Best Shiraz" and Double Gold, for the 2006 Shiraz. I'm going to have to get a few more for the cabinet. ;) Cheers!