Appearance: Bright, Deep Burgundy

Nose: Spiced Fruit (stewed apricot), Black Cherry

Palate:  Berry jam, Dark Chocolate, Aniseed, Astringent (mild), well balanced, Long finish

Closure: Stelvin

Todays post takes a little detour from the usual Hunter fair, to the nearby region of Mudgee.  I had the pleasure of visiting this area recently on business and came across this excellent shiraz from the region at one of the local restaurants.

According to the Robert Stein website, this is a family owned and run vineyard and winery that was established in 1976.  The wine making stewardship is currently in the hands of the third generation of Stein wine makers with the founders grandson Jacob recently taking over the reins.  A further scan of the wine list shows other varietals such as Chardonnay, Semillon, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot on offer either as straight varietals or in the traditional blends.

After sampling 3 or so bottles of the 2012 Shiraz with some friends over dinner, I found this wine is yet to show any significant signs of aging. It presented with a spiced fruit and black cherry nose, and a deep burgundy red hue.  On the palate I was reminded of dark chocolate and just a hint of aniseed, the tannins were slightly green and astringent with a good acid balance and a long finish.  the consensus from the table was that it paired nicely with the rib eye steak and forest mushrooms that were a common choice among my fellow dinners.

This is definitely on my list of wines to add to the cellar.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)