Syrah vs Shiraz Blind Tasting ex-France

Victoria, BC
Tasted Monday, June 15, 2020 by Canoehead with 101 views

Introduction

Four tasters, five bottles, double-decanted blind. Two Aussies, One Napa, One Columbia Valley & One BC Similkameen Valley. Cheeseboard & Grilled Lamb Chops.

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • 2014 Mollydooker Shiraz Carnival of Love 90 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

    4th out 5: Hard to escape the nose burn of alcohol even with all the super ripe fruit. Lingering heat in the gullet that probably muted a lot of the flavour profile and enjoyment potential of this wine. 16.5%abv is just too much.

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  • 2004 Penfolds Shiraz RWT 93 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

    2nd out of 5: Showing very well 15+ years. Wonderfully pronounced nose of savoury fruit, olive and licorice. Carried right thru on the palate. Excellent balance and seamless elements of alcohol, tannin and acidity. Elegant statesman.

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  • 2014 Shafer Relentless 90 Points

    USA, California, Napa Valley

    5th out of 5: Showed poorly in a blind tasting of Syrah and Shiraz. Had a funky nose for the first hour and it wasn't sexy Brett, more like stale medicinal doctor's office. Fruit was muted but over time it did begin to open up. Just never got to ethereal level like others on the table. Bleu cheese did help it a bit more. This wine had been double decanted and open for >1hr. Hard to get past the price point here when the Vanessa Syrah was 1/4 the price and it pleased all.

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  • 2015 Vanessa Vineyard Syrah 93 Points

    Canada, British Columbia, Similkameen Valley

    1st out of 5: Really a stunning wine relative to all reds at this blind tasting. The RWT was also outstanding but Vanessa gets top spot based on its terrific value for the money. Pronounced nose with wide spectrum of florals, brushed berries and cured meat. The palate lacked the excitement of the aromas and was medium-plus in body and the finish was medium. Excellent QPR.

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  • 2010 Silverback Vineyards Syrah 92 Points

    USA, Washington, Columbia Valley

    3rd out of 5: showing very well 10 years out. Aromatic sweet, stewing fruit with savoury elements of baking spice and dried herbs. Palate is seamless delight with a nice finish and just the barest tannic bite. Well made.

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Closing

RWT & Vanessa were the group favourites. Vanessa has excellent QPR. The Shafer Relentless was biggest disappointment - pretty pricey for what it delivers.

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