
| Gold Medals | 6 |
| Silver Medals | 17 |
| Bronze Medals | 24 |
{Tasting Notes}
Vineyard Range Miamba Shiraz
{THE FRUIT}
The fruit is grown in the Miamba vineyard, at the southern end of the Barossa, near Lyndoch. The Miamba Vineyard has a long viticultural history, but when Grant bought it in 1983 it was completely bare. Careful planting and sustainable practices have returned this block to its former glory. The 2008 vintage began earlier than expected but with just below average rainfall throughout the year. Nevertheless the fruit from the Miamba vineyard continues to produce fruit with exceptional varietal character, intense concentration and flavours.
{THE WINEMAKING}
After crushing and de-stemming, the fruit was fermented 4, 7 and 11 tonne fermenters and pumped over 3 times daily for 8 days to extract colour and flavour as well as helping control the temperature of the ferment. Several batches of fruit were pressed directly into new American oak hogsheads and allowed to complete both fermentation and secondary malolactic fermentation. The oaked components then remained in oak for several months before being blending with the un-oaked components. The entire blend was then transferred back into oak where it was left to mature for a further 18 months before bottling.
{THE COMMENTS}
The 2008 Miamba Shiraz is inky black in colour, like many reds from the 2008 vintage; with incredible depth and intensity. The intense aromas of dark chocolate coated licorice, sweet confectionary coconut ice, dark flesh fruits like plums and black cherries are only enhanced by cedar like aromas and a hint of mint. The palate is equally generous with a typical 2008 palate of rich fruit flavours, melded together with the acidity and tannins which equate to a well balanced wine. The 2008 Miamba is drinking well on release and will evolve and continue to reward with careful cellaring over the next 8 – 10 years.
This opulent Shiraz is deserving of special food accompaniment and would ideally be enjoyed with full flavoured dishes such as slow cooked rabbit with pancetta, and sage and served with a soft polenta cake.
{THE REVIEWS}
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Vintage: 2008
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Winestate — April 2010
Winestate — April 2010
“
"Young chocolaty licorice blackberry wine that needs lots more time to shine"
3 Stars
”
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91 points — Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh — The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11
91 points — Campbell Mattinson & Gary Walsh — The Big Red Wine Book 2010/11
“
It's got the Barossa written all over it — a very good thing. It's rich and cakey, chocolatey and intense, with old-fashioned flavours of blackberry, brandy, coal and toast, laid on pretty thick. It's got good freshness and satisfying length — it's pretty easy to place this straight in the buy now category.
”
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Joshua Raynolds — Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar USA — July 2010
Joshua Raynolds — Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar USA — July 2010
“
89 points
Opague ruby. Powerfull aromas of dark cherry and plum show an almost roasted ripeness and are complicated by notes of black olive, tobacco and licorice. Sweet vanillin oak accents blackcurrant and bitter cherry on the palate, with dusty tannins adding grip. Shows the ripeness that's typical of the vintage in the Barossa, finishing with stong punch and lingering smokiness.
”
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Vintage: 2007
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James Halliday — The Weekend Australian — May 2010
James Halliday — The Weekend Australian — May 2010
“
*91 points*
The Miamba vineyard is in the Lyndoch Valley, just behind the Filsell Vineyard, its best blocks providing grapes for this wine. The colour is bright and clear; good vineyard practices and good winemaking have largely side-stepped the toughness found in may '07 South Australian wines; it has lots of blackberry, licorice and dark chocolate fruit on its medium to full-bodied and well-balanced palate.
”
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Ralph Kyte-Powell — Cruisine Magazine NZ — July 2010
Ralph Kyte-Powell — Cruisine Magazine NZ — July 2010
“
Grown on a great old vineyard site inexplicably uprooted in the 1970s before being replanted by Grant Burge in the 1980s, Miamba 07 offers ripe, plummy fruit with hints of spice and beetroot. It's generously built, but not heavy, with an easy-going personality.
”
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Bob Campbell — Taste NZ July 2010
Bob Campbell — Taste NZ July 2010
“
Super-smooth with masses of Christmas cake flavours.
"Top 5 Value Australian Shiraz"
”
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James Halliday — Australian Wine Companion 2011 edition
James Halliday — Australian Wine Companion 2011 edition
“
Rating 91
”
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Neil Padley — Kia Ora Magazine NZ — July 2010
Neil Padley — Kia Ora Magazine NZ — July 2010
“
Fruit-packed wine with classic, cuddly chocolate/mocha flavours.
”
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Bob Campbell — Your Home & Garden — August 2010
Bob Campbell — Your Home & Garden — August 2010
“
Rich, fruit packed wine with a silken texture. Its got cuddly choc/mocha flavours that are classically Barossa. You can practically taste the sunshine
”
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Vintage: 2006
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James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
James Halliday- 2009 Australian Wine Companion
“
lucious, supple, medium bodied wine, with appealing spicy fruit nuances, fine tannins and subtle oak; bears testament to the vintage; long finish.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Rating 93 points
Drink 2020
”
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2009 Australian Wine Annual — Jeremy Oliver
2009 Australian Wine Annual — Jeremy Oliver
“
88 points
Ripe, minty and confectionery, with spicy aromas of sweet red and black berries knit with cedar/vanilla oak and bacled by menthol-like undertones. Medium to full in weight, it's long, ripe and juicy palate of sour-edged plums, cherries and blackberries culminates in a faintly greenish and metallic finish of assertive tannins and slightly coarse tannin, plus just a hint of saltiness.
”
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Winetate — January 2009
Winetate — January 2009
“
3 stars
Rich yet elegantwine with a floral lift to the okay aromas and powerful raw/tart flavours
”
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Nick Stock — WINE 100 May 2009
Nick Stock — WINE 100 May 2009
“
90 Points
This is Burge's foray in the middle ground in definitive Barossa -style Shiraz. It’s a wine of region first and foremost and easy to love. The oaks creamed spice to ripe berry fruits tannins are swarthy and laid back, finishes with sweet juicy appeal.
”
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Joe Czerwinski- Wine Enthusiast USA, Sept 09
Joe Czerwinski- Wine Enthusiast USA, Sept 09
“
88 Points
Not as intense or concentrated as Burge's Filsell Shiraz , but made in a similar style, with notes of roasted coffee and grilled meat accenting raspberry fruit. The tannins are creamy, balanced by crisp acids on the finish.
”
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Vintage: 2005
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Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar July/August 2007
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar July/August 2007
“
88 points
Inky ruby. Crushed blackberry and boysenberry scents are complicated by gunflint. Juicy dark berry flavors show a youthful bitterness and are supported by bright acidity. Tannins build on the finish but are in harmony with the sweet berry qualities. Another year should loosen this one up.
”
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Jeff Collerson- Daily Telegraph September 2007
Jeff Collerson- Daily Telegraph September 2007
“
This is not as opulent as the $85+ Meshach wine, but it is in a similar style, just produced from younger vines. The best Miamba shiraz I've tasted, this is astonishing value. Young and vibrant but highly concentrated on the nose with a solid, fruit-driven palate and silky tannins.
”
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Wine Enthusiast — November 2007
Wine Enthusiast — November 2007
“
Wine Enthusiast — 88 points
Soft and fleshy in texture with slightly prunny dark plum fruit and a charming hint of black licorice. Supple tannins frame the crisp finish. Seems a bit shy aromatically; try checking it again in 2008, as it should evolve relatively rapidly.
”
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Wine Advocate- Jay Miller November 2007
Wine Advocate- Jay Miller November 2007
“
89 points
The 2005 Shiraz Miamba saw 50% of the wine barrel-fermented and aged in new American oak, the balance in seasoned French and American oak. It offers up aromas of smoke, cedar, licorice, blueberry, and blackberry. Although it has plenty of flavor, it becomes lean in the finish. Nevertheless, it is a very good value (wine).
”
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Josh Raynolds- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2008
Josh Raynolds- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Sept/Oct 2008
“
91 points
Inky ruby. Explosively perfumed nose, displays sexy dark berries, Asian spices and flowers, along with a suave mineral undertone. Sappy blackberryand boysenberry flavours stain the plate and are enlivened by juicy minerality. Gentle tannins arrive on the brisk, focused finish.
”
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The Independent Life-UK, Terry Kirby 27.11.08
The Independent Life-UK, Terry Kirby 27.11.08
“
The Ten Best New-World Reds
A typically full frontal shiraz from Down Under, big red fruit flavours with vanilla-scented oak and black pepper. Long Long finish
”
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Vintage: 2004
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Rosalind Cooper, Fresh Magazine, UK, February 2006
Rosalind Cooper, Fresh Magazine, UK, February 2006
“
“A classic Aussie red, wafting eucalyptus and ripe, berry fruit from the glass, is from the original Jacobs Creek vineyards. Rich and full, it demands some hearty tucker to show at its best, so lay on roast lamb, pork or perhaps a dish made with chorizo sausage”
”
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Huon Hooke, Gourmet Wine Traveller, April 2006
Huon Hooke, Gourmet Wine Traveller, April 2006
“
The 2004 Grant Burge Miamba Shiraz walks a fine line showing very concentrated berry flavour and firm tannin extract but holds its balance well. Hooke wrote "Melted chocolate on the nose with plums and charcuterie Lovely rich flavour in the middle good depth and grip" It’s good to see classic Barossa style in
a wine of this price What’s more it will cellar beautifully
”
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James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007
James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2007
“
Medium to full bodied; lots of charry oak surrounding black cherry and blackberry fruit. Imposing style. Gold medal National Wine Show 05 Rating 94, Drink 2015
”
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Paul Lukacs, Wine of the Week, Washington Times October 2006
Paul Lukacs, Wine of the Week, Washington Times October 2006
“
Looking for a full-flavored red wine with rich fruit and a substantial texture but without irritatingly astringent tannins? If so, think southern Australia, where the reds tend to be intensely flavored but at the same time soft and sumptuous. The Barossa Valley remains the historic heart of the region, and this shiraz from Grant Burge exemplifies an intense but inviting Barossa style. Shiraz is the same grape variety as syrah. In its European home, France's Rhone Valley, this grape yields pungent, peppery wines. In the Barossa, where temperatures tend to be much warmer, the wines are less spicy and more fruit-driven. They also feel softer, even while often being more alcoholic. The result can be power combined with approachability. The grapes for this particular wine were grown primarily in the Miamba vineyard at the southern end of the valley. Picked when fully ripe, they have yielded a concentrated, juicy wine capable of aging well for five years or so but offering plenty of pleasure now. Pair it with equally full-flavored foods * grilled meats, for example, or, as the weather gets colder, hearty stews.
”
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By the Glass, Darryl Thomas, Weekend Territorian, NT, January 2007
By the Glass, Darryl Thomas, Weekend Territorian, NT, January 2007
“
Burge's best value Shiraz, excellent fruit richness on the palate, full flavoured with spice, plum and underlying vanillin oak. A ripe, smooth style wine with lovely oak balance. Serve with gamey dishes, why not baked kangaroo tail?
”
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Winewise, February 2007
Winewise, February 2007
“
Rich sweet blackberry nose — good depth of rich fruit with typical Barossa flavour
”
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Wine Enthusiast
Wine Enthusiast
“
This is rather big and burly, powered by rich blackberry fruit, spice and earthy notes that are highlighted by brighter raspberry tones. It could use a more polished mouth-feel and greater length on the finish, but its muscular nature would do well paired with grilled steak. Drink now. 88 points March 2007
”
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Vintage: 2003
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The Sunday Tasmanian, April 2005
The Sunday Tasmanian, April 2005
“
Deep ruby, purple, fragrances of richly liqueured cherries and chocolate leading to a dense, fruit-sweet palate with big, rich chewable flavours of aniseed, chocolate, vanilla and fresh mint, full-bodied and a firm tannic finish. Well priced drinking now but better after a few years in a dark corner.
”
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Jeremy Oliver
Jeremy Oliver
“
Rated No 2 Shiraz in Australian Wine Annual 2006-Top Wines under $20 section
”
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Taylor Eason, Corkscrew, Weekly Planet, Tampa, Florida, USA December 2005
Taylor Eason, Corkscrew, Weekly Planet, Tampa, Florida, USA December 2005
“
Full bodied, dark, sensous and sexy, with no apologies to other weaklings. The gushing blackberry and cedar punch you in the face and you like eat. rating=excellent
”
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The Wine Report Tasting Panel, www.winesimple.com USA, April 2006
The Wine Report Tasting Panel, www.winesimple.com USA, April 2006
“
Like a forest trail, this purple wine smelled of wood, underbrush, mushroom, smoke, grass and berries. Delicate flavors of dried cranberry, plum and dark chocolate were matched by a burst of sweet berries. With soft acids and substantial tannins, this wine led panelists to describe its mouthfeel as "velvety" and "mouth-coating." The gentle, refined finish "built to a crescendo before fading slowly."
Food Friendliness: This wine is even better with food. Try it with barbecue ribs, a hearty stew or a hot roast beef sandwich.
89 points
”
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James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2007
James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 2007
“
Generous, traditional, medium-bodied Barossa Shiraz; blackberry, plum and some spice; good oak and tannin management. Cork Rating 89 Drink 2010
”
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wineskinny.com USA, Weekend wine column September 06
wineskinny.com USA, Weekend wine column September 06
“
“Dense and focused, with dark cherry and blackberry fruit supported by smoky cedar, licorice and earth that linger on the finish.”
”
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Vintage: 2001
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The Weekend Australian Financial Review, 11–12 January 2003
The Weekend Australian Financial Review, 11–12 January 2003
“
Sweet pippy berry and stewed plum smelling, but also savoury and meaty with hints of attractive nutmeggy spice. In the mouth it’s fleshy and succulent, with blackberry fruit held in place with chewy tannin. Lashings of fruit followed by a dry, cedary, spicy finish. 91/100 excellent value.
”
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Vintage: 2000
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Winefront Monthly, October 2002
Winefront Monthly, October 2002
“
Cheerful but elevated by a smoky complexity – stitched here to sweet strawberry/ plummy fruit and vanillin oak. Finishes with a hit of roasted sweet coffee. Drink now- 2004
”
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Paddy Kendler, Herlad Sun, 15 October 2002
Paddy Kendler, Herlad Sun, 15 October 2002
“
Here is a genuine Barossa red that really does deliver the goods for your $20. After double decanting… the Miamba breathed out to reveal enticing ripe cherry, plum pudding and Indian spice aromas (cardamom?) and similar flavours within a well-poised palate. Substantial enough but neither too oaky nor alcoholic, a satisfying and savoury wine. 4 ½ stars.
”