Two Barossa Shiraz from 2011

I've been speaking to a few winemakers and marketing people from the Barossa and it is interesting to see the difference in opinion. The winemakers are saying its not the best vintage as the disease pressure was too much.  On the other hand the marketing people are saying that the disease pressure was too much for the region but we, insert every marketing person, came out particularly well as we were very rigorous with the selection of grapes in the winery. Only time will tell to see who is correct!

Teusner Riebke Shiraz 2011

The wine looks very dark for a 2011 but on the nose the first thing that I notice is the swarve oak. On the palate that poshness comes through as well but it is joined by twine and cranberries. The wine is more fullness than I was expecting yet the flavour spectrum is not what I normally get out of the Riebke. Instead of Christmas pudding there is a cherries and brown sugar component mixed with green herbs and green peppers corns. These initial flavour work ok but the mid-palate is rather flat and the flavours don't transgress up the end of my tongue. The wine does finish with a brightness that does leaves me feeling refreshed.

Alcohol: 14.5%
Price: $19
Rated: 80
Drink: Now

Laughing Jack Jack's Shiraz 2011

The Jack's Shiraz is the same price as the Riebke so it was interesting to taste these next to each other for the 4 days. Upon opening the the Jack's jumps out with vibrant flavours of cherry ripe and spice. There is a sweetness from the oak but it takes second fiddle to the savouriness of the fruits. Did I just say that a young Barossa Shiraz is savoury? I think I did! It is amazing what can be done, if the conditions are right, in the hands of a top class small producer. Ok so you get savoury fruits characters with a little licorice weed in a medium bodied style that possess tannins upon tannins which is a good 2011 wine with style.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Price: $19
Rated: 84+
Drink: It will keep well due to the high acidity but it does drink so well now.