
| Gold Medals | 2 |
| Silver Medals | 3 |
| Bronze Medals | 13 |
{Tasting Notes}
Barossa Vines Shiraz
{THE FRUIT}
With an excellent growing season to allow maximum development of varietal Shiraz characters and concentration of flavours, the fruit was picked at 14.5º Baume from Grant’s vineyards and those of respected premium growers in the Barossa. The 2008 vintage began earlier than expected but with just below average rainfall throughout the year. An extreme heatwave hit the region in early March however the Shiraz fruit was picked prior to the heat and shows good varietal character.
{THE WINEMAKING}
The fruit was crushed and de-stemmed, then fermented in stainless steel tanks for seven days, with temperatures peaking at 26º C early in the fermentation, then brought down to 22ºC, and pumped over three times a day. Free run and pressings were combined for added colour and structure, the wine was then matured in a combination of American and French oak for 12 months.
{THE COMMENTS}
The 2008 Shiraz is a rich, ripe style packing a big punch on the aroma. A complex fusion of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit characters; with vanillin oak subtle milk chocolate sweetness, together with leather and cedar notes. The palate is luscious, full bodied fruit flavours fill the mid palate; with hints of licorice, plum and subtle vanilla cream. The wine finishes with fine, silky tannins and a lingering fruit driven finish.
This seamless Barossan Shiraz is seriously great value for money and ideal for everyday drinking. A wonderful food wine, trying matching with a slow cooked Moroccan Lamb Tangine or a simple steak and vegetables.
{THE REVIEWS}
- Vintage: 2006
-
Wine Spectator- USA — Harvey Steinman April 2009
Wine Spectator- USA — Harvey Steinman April 2009
“
TOP VALUES: Australian Reds $25 or less
This is silky with sweet blacknbery and cream aromas and flavours that linger effortlessly on the refreshing finish.
”
-
2010 Australian Wine Companion — James Halliday
2010 Australian Wine Companion — James Halliday
“
92 POINTS
Medium-bodied; effusive red and black fruit flavours supported by ripe tannins and restrained oak; attractive wine; good length
”
- Vintage: 2005
-
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Jul/Aug 07
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Jul/Aug 07
“
87 + points
Ruby-red. Subdued cherry and plum on the nose, which opens slowly to show bitter chocolate and candied licorice. Tangy, youthfully taut dark berry flavors possess good energy and cut but seem a tad clenched now. Will this gain in flesh with a bit of time in bottle?
”
-
Food & Wine USA- Ray Isle October 2008
Food & Wine USA- Ray Isle October 2008
“
Great Values from Barossa
One of the Baross's top wine producers, Grant Burge first released this strightforward red bottling a few years back. It's aged for 14months in a combination of French and American oak, giving itsome intruiging spice notes.
”
- Vintage: 2004
-
Harvey Steiman
Daily Wine Picks, WineSpectator.com May 06
Harvey Steiman
Daily Wine Picks, WineSpectator.com May 06
“
Ripe in flavor, but not too hearty, achieving a nice balance of focused plum and berry fruit against fine tannins and not too much alcohol. Drink now through 2009. 7,500 cases imported.
87 Points
”
-
Winexmagazine, US, May 06 www.winexmagazine.com
Winexmagazine, US, May 06 www.winexmagazine.com
“
XX (Fo' Shizzle, Highly Recommended)
"A deep tissue massage from a masseuse you call mommy — black and blue fruit, spice and elbows deep in eucalyptus."
”
-
Jerry Shriver, USA Today, print and web September 2006
Jerry Shriver, USA Today, print and web September 2006
“
Back to basics
2004 Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, I tasted this along with some comparably price Syrahs and Shirazes from California and South Africa and it showed a personality that the others lacked. Call it guts, call it earthiness, call me over for another round of this Down Under gem. This is the kind of good-value Shiraz that Australia used to do so well before the genre became a boring mishmash of vanilla-scented red raspberry juice. As soon as the weather cools a little more, try this with lamb stew.
”
-
skinnywine.com Weekend wine column, September 2006
skinnywine.com Weekend wine column, September 2006
“
Deep and full of ripe red, blackberry and plum fruit and laced with black pepper that lingers on the moderate finish. Nicely balanced and easy to like
”
-
Ralph Kyte Powell, Feb 2007, Epicure, The Age Melbourne
Ralph Kyte Powell, Feb 2007, Epicure, The Age Melbourne
“
Grant Burge's Barossa Vines range
has a smart new label. Quality
remains very good and the price is
agreeable. This shiraz meets the nose
with dark berries, caramel, spice and
a hint of chocolate. It has good
flavour development, even if it's a
little simple. Intensity is 01< and
tannins are mild. Good value.
Ageing? Drink over three years.
Food ideas: Lamb cutlets; lasagne.
”
-
Peter Forrestal, Quaff.com, April 2007
Peter Forrestal, Quaff.com, April 2007
“
"Wine of the Week"
This week Peter's pick is: 2004 Grant Burge Barossa Vines Shiraz- Terrific Shiraz from Grant Burge's revamped Barossa Vines Range and the excellent 2004 vintage.
www.quaff.com.au
”
-
Raplh Kyte Powell- Sydney Morning Herald 'Good Living' May 2007
Raplh Kyte Powell- Sydney Morning Herald 'Good Living' May 2007
“
'Honest value and good character are the hallmarks of Grant Buge's Barossa Vines wines. This one has juicy berry, caramel and sweet spice aromas. The palate has gfood flavour development, a touch of chocolate richness ands mild tannins. It's an easy to like type…'
Ageing: Drink over 2 years
3+ stars
”
-
San Francisco Cronicle- W.Blake Gray- July 2007
San Francisco Cronicle- W.Blake Gray- July 2007
“
2004 Grant Burge Barossa Shiraz ($10) Grant Burge is a fifth-generation winemaker in Australia's Barossa Valley who has the odd penchant for giving his wines somewhat religious names, like the Holy Trinity. Have faith in the enduring deliciousness in this wine, because on first taste it seems rather one-note, with straightforward bright cherry fruit. But this is a wine that will ace one of the most important tests of quality — the empty-bottle test. It just keeps getting more likable.
”
- Vintage: 2003
-
Robert Whitley, WineReviewOnLine.com USA, February 2006
Robert Whitley, WineReviewOnLine.com USA, February 2006
“
This is very, very good Shiraz for the money, with lots of concentration and character and without the simple, superficial, raspberry fluff of the mass-market versions. Flavors are gutsy dark berry and the flesh is very concentrated and intense, with real depth and intensity. Tarry and massive, this calls for big food like grilled lamb chops or stew. — Michael Franz 89 Points
”
-
The Wine Report Tasting Panel, www.winesimple.com USA, April 2006
The Wine Report Tasting Panel, www.winesimple.com USA, April 2006
“
Almost black in color, this Barossa jewel offered aromas of wood, licorice, anise and caramel. Its solid acidity paired with flavors of tart cranberry, cherry, olive and soy sauce made this wine a pleasant drink, according to scorers. A bit of alcohol heat was detected on the finish, along with pleasant bitterness.
Food Friendliness: This wine could handle a pretty big meal, so fire up the grill and toss on the steaks.
88 points
”
-
Decanter, September 2006
Decanter, September 2006
“
“Eucalyptus perfume with some elegance. Lifted acidity over ripe yet defined fruit and tannins.” 3 stars, recommended, September 2006
”
-
James Halliday Wine Companion 2006
James Halliday Wine Companion 2006
“
Direct, straightforward plum and blackberry fruit; doesn't show 14.5% alcohol; fine tannins. Twin top Rating 87
”
- Vintage: 2001
-
Bill Thompson, The Sunday Times, September 29 2002
Bill Thompson, The Sunday Times, September 29 2002
“
This is pure Barossa fruit made by a guy who loves shiraz and is besotted by the Barossa. It’s deep with dark berry fruit flavours, has a pleasant earthy character and well-integrated old oak. Above all, it’s well made and a fine example of gutsy Aussie shiraz that will slip down well with the Sunday roast.
”
-
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, November 26, 2002
Paddy Kendler, Herald Sun, November 26, 2002
“
This is a beaut young red featuring rich, ripe berry and sweet spice aromas and flavours, dense but smooth texture and satisfying effect. There are only a few reds under $15 that offer this amount of appealing flavour within such a plump and robust body and structure. Barossa Vines is up there with the best in its class… 4 ½ stars
”
-
Jeff Collerson, The Daily Telegraph, 12 February 2003
Jeff Collerson, The Daily Telegraph, 12 February 2003
“
Excellent value for Shiraz made from 100 per cent Barossa Valley fruit, and from one of the area’s leading winemakers. A crowd-pleasing red with spicy blackberry and earthy aromas driving the bouquet. Minty chocolate characteristics in the mouth. Overall palate soft and round with good extract and weight. A Beauty for the Barbie.
”
-
Ray Jordan The West Australian Fresh, 9 January 2003
Ray Jordan The West Australian Fresh, 9 January 2003
“
This is a beautiful value-for-money shiraz showing nice minty fruit with deep plumy flavours and a fragrant mix of spices and black pepper. Fine tannins and a silky velvety palate complete an eminently drinkable wine. It’s a nice well-made drink from the Barossa. 86/100
”
- Vintage: 2000
-
Wine Spectator, June 30, 2002
Wine Spectator, June 30, 2002
“
Smooth and polished wine, with bright red cherry and red plum flavo(u)rs, shaded nicely with fresh anise and mineral notes. Good value in Barossa-grown Shiraz.
”