After my last review of boxed Aussie Shiraz (Hardys), I had to try one more time. After all, no one makes better, affordable Shiraz than the folks Down Under, and Penfolds Grange Shiraz is one of the world's highest rated and well-regarded representatives from this varietal. So, I always look at wines from Oz first when selecting Shiraz, or as the rest of the world calls it-Syrah.
Thus, I bravely struggled to finish the aforementioned Hardys, finally succeeding some two weeks after purchase. My next trip to Harris-Teeter resulted in a purchase of Banrock Station 2007 Shiraz from South Eastern Australia. The price once again was $18.99 for 3 liters, which works out to $4.75 a bottle.
On the nose there's subtle oak and perhaps a hint of cherry-like fruit. No spice or pepper detected, a common attribute of Shiraz. On the palate, the wine's soft entry and balance strikes you immediately. And once again, cherry predominates, like a cherry pie only more subtle. Most shiraz's from Oz show blueberry or blackberry, so the cherry was a surprise.
If I were throwing a party with light fare; pizzas, burgers, lasagna--and I wanted to offer a red wine, I'd pick this one time after time. Best yet, its soft and balanced enough to pass for a sipping wine; something many reds are unable to pull off with their over-the-top tannins and alcohol. I wouldn't be one bit embarrassed to serve this at such a gathering; in fact, I might hide the box, offer it to my guests, and see what they have to say. I might even fool them by leaving an empty bottle or two of a Penfolds "Bin" series Shiraz so they think they are sipping on a $20 wine!
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