2016 Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet

2016 Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet

2016 Elderton E Series Shiraz/Cabernet, from Barossa,South Australia, Australia

RED, RICH, INTENSE

Cabernet Sauvignon – Syrah blended wines are a particular specialty of Australia, where Syrah is known as Shiraz. The two are well-known French varieties that have been successfully transplanted down under: Cabernet Sauvignon is best known for its role in Bordeaux, while Syrah climbs the steep slopes of the Rhone Valley. In Australia, the two combine to make a rich, full-bodied red that is the basis of some of the country’s most famous wines.

Cabernet and Syrah are from very different parts of France and, under French appellation law, would never be allowed in the same AOC wine (the blend is theoretically possible in IGP wines). In general, the New World is free of these kind of stylistic restraints, leaving producers free to experiment with various blends. The Cabernet Sauvignon – Shiraz blend came about in the mid-20th Century, when Max Schubert of Penfolds fame created his legendary Bin 60A, considered by some to be Australia’s best wine.

The Barossa Valley is an extremely important wine-producing region within the Barossa zone of South Australia, particularly associated with powerful red wines from the red wine grape variety Shiraz. A prestigious and internationally renowned region, it is not only home to some of the oldest vineyards and wineries in Australia but produces some of its most recognizable and sought-after brands. The region lies in the (very flat) ‘Valley’ created by the North Para river, which connects the main towns of Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Lyndoch.