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15 Outstanding Australian Shiraz Wines (Taste, Prices, Quick Facts)

by Anthony Zhang

Shiraz, Australia’s most famous grape variety, makes up nearly 50% of the red grape plantings. (Shiraz is called Syrah in most other countries, including France.)

This versatile grape produces velvety wines with a reddish-purple hue, a prominent flavour of black fruit with soft tannin, and a sweet, savoury finish! Let’s explore all about Australian Shiraz, including the best bottles, the wine growing regions, food pairings, and other interesting facts about them.

Further reading

15 Delicious Bottles Of Australian Shiraz to Try in 2023

Here are the most exciting bottles of Australian Shiraz you need to buy: 

1. 2017, Penfolds, g3, South Australia ($2,953)

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This red wine is bold and velvety with flavor notes of ripe black fruit. It’s an awe-inspiring blend of the 2008, 2012, and 2014 vintages. 

2. 2012, Henschke, Hill of Grace, Eden Valley, South Australia ($832)

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This Australian wine is produced by the famous Australian winemaker Henschke. It has a strong, mixed flavor of black fruit, oak, tobacco, and leather on the palate. The vintage has pronounced aromas of violet, blueberry, and black pepper.

3. 2008, Chris Ringland, Hoffmann Vineyard Shiraz, Barossa Valley ($622)

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On the nose, this Barossa Valley Shiraz reveals fragrant prune, mulberry, and licorice aromas. The palate has a prominent taste of chocolate, vanilla, and oak.

4. 2005, Best’s, Thomson Family Shiraz, Great Western ($395)

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This spectacular, full bodied wine has blackcurrant and cassis flavors with soft, well-integrated tannin mouthfeel. In the glass, the wine has a deep red hue with hints of purple. 

5. 2017, Wendouree, Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia ($267)

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This balanced and delicate red wine has strong tannin mouthfeel and rich plum fruit flavours with eucalyptus, mint, and menthol hints. The nose unravels with notes of strawberry, mushroom, and black cherry.

6. 2012, Kilikanoon, Attunga 1865 Shiraz, Clare Valley ($244)

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This Australian Shiraz wine was produced with grapes from a 150-year-old single vineyard. Its vibrant crimson hues are accompanied by a complex aroma bouquet of black plum, old licorice, and tar. On the palate, the red wine is refined, textured, and has a dominant cherry flavour.

7. 2008, Rockford, Basket Press Shiraz, Barossa Valley ($219)

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This Barossa Valley Shiraz opens with complex notes of oak, dark chocolate, plum, and leather. The wine has opulent red fruit aromas and a silky mouthfeel. 

8. 2018, Brokenwood, The Graveyard Shiraz, Hunter Valley ($199)

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This red wine is rich in oak, bramble, and creamy pepper flavours, followed by a pronounced aroma of lavender, violet, and rose petal.

9. 2005, Mollydooker Shiraz Carnival of Love ($193)

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The 2005 Mollydooker Carnival of Love is bold and dry with fruity, chocolate, and spicy notes. This Australian red wine has a rich aroma - a mixture of blackberry, black pepper, and cassis.

10. 2014, Penfolds, Magill Estate Shiraz, South Australia ($173)

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This iconic vintage of the Penfolds Grange winery has soft tannins and fresh acidity with dark chocolate, vanilla, and dried fruit notes. Aromas of violet, eucalyptus, and toffee can also be detected.

11. 2017, Pertaringa The Yeoman Shiraz, McLaren Vale ($166)

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This Australian red wine has rich and intense oak, tobacco, and black fruit notes with pronounced aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and damson.

12. 2010, Castagna, Genesis Syrah, Beechworth, South Australia ($108)

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This purple Shiraz wine unravels with black fruit, pomegranate, and tulip aromas. It has taste notes of licorice root, dark fruit, and black plum.

13. 2013, Clonakilla, Shiraz Viognier, Canberra, New South Wales ($105)

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This red wine is complex on the palate with the flavour of plum, raspberry, tobacco, and cocoa and a long, savoury finish. On the nose, it has aromas of red berries, cinnamon, and spice.

14. 2013, Lou Miranda Estate, Old Vine Shiraz, Barossa Valley ($73)

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This stunning vintage from the Lou Miranda winery has medium acidity and soft tannins. It’s the perfect amalgamation of chocolate and vanilla oak on the palate and profound coffee and spice aromas on the nose.

15. 2014, Savaterre, Shiraz, Beechworth, Victoria, Australia ($54)

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This red wine is refined yet precise. Its charming, seductive, and ethereal nose unravels in layers. On the palate, it has a balanced combination of dark chocolate and dark fruit, and a long finish.

A Few Interesting Facts About Australian Shiraz Wines 

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Let’s explore more about these extraordinary wines: 

Which Are The Shiraz Wine Regions In Australia?

The Australian Shiraz grape is grown in the cooler regions of the country, including:

  • Yarra Valley
  • Margaret River
  • Tasmania
  • Mornington Peninsula
  • Geelong 
  • Orange
  • Canberra District
  • The Granite Belt 
  • Adelaide Hills
  • Barossa Valley
  • McLaren Vale
  • Eden Valley
  • Clare Valley

Which Are The Different Shiraz Blends?

Typically, Australian Shiraz wines are made only from the Shiraz grape variety. 

However, Shiraz is also blended with: 

  • Grenache and Mourvedre: The Grenache-Shiraz-Mourvedre (GSM) blend is full bodied, rich, and leathery with black fruit and spice notes. 
  • Cabernet Sauvignon: Known as the Great Australian Red Blend, this wine has the structure and depth of Cabernet  and the velvety mouthfeel of Shiraz.

How is Shiraz Different From Syrah?

The Shiraz grape is called Syrah in Old World wine regions like France (Rhone Valley), Italy, and the rest of Europe. 

New World wine regions like Australia, South Africa, and Chile call the grape variety Shiraz. 

Usually, the Shiraz grape has fewer tannins than the Syrah grape variety. Also, since Shiraz grapes are picked when they are very ripe, they produce bolder and more intense wines than the Syrah grape varietal.

How Much Alcohol Does A Bottle Of Shiraz Have?

A bottle of Australian Shiraz has between14-15.5% ABV.

How Many Calories Does Australian Shiraz Have?

A glass of Shiraz wine with 15% alcohol has around 175 calories. 

How to Serve Shiraz

The ideal temperature to serve the Shiraz red wine is 60-65℉. 

What Food Pairs Best With Shiraz?

Easy drinking, fruity Shiraz can be paired with burgers and BBQ grills. This rich, full bodied wine is also a great accompaniment to grilled beef, lamb, and braised or roasted meat.

What Is The Aging Potential Of Shiraz?

Shiraz shows a cellaring potential of 5-10 years.

Add A Stunning Australian Shiraz To Your Wine Collection!

If you like red, bold, and acidic wines, you just have to try a bottle of Australian Shiraz. This wine is perfect for all occasions and can be a wonderful addition to your cellar.

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Vinovest can help you get the best Australian Shiraz and other fine wines to add to your collection. Its AI-based wine investment platform will help you source, store and sell your wines easily. 

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