Shiraz Wine Values

Posted May 2009

Shiraz is to Australia what Cabernet Sauvignon is to Bordeaux: an icon. It is Australia's leading red grape, not just in volume but in viticultural identity. Because of modern winemaking techniques and the extended use of automation in the vineyard and winery, most Australian wines are comparatively good values. Australia is expected to surpass France as the second leading wine exporter to the US (behind Italy) in a matter of years. There are some 1,100-odd wineries there.

“Shiraz descriptors include a wide range of flavors and aromas including black raspberry, bitter chocolate, mocha, violet, black pepper, spice, boysenberry, cedar, blackberry liqueur, white flowers, vanilla, figs, leather, cigar box, plum, licorice, crème de cassis, smoked meats, game and vanilla. Mouth feel can be described as syrupy, full-bodied, opulent, voluptuous, sexy, flamboyant, big, silky, flesh bomb, sappy, thick, massive as well as seductive.”


Similar wines around the world
Shiraz is the same grape as Syrah in the US and the principal wine in Northern Rhone region of France and a popular grape in Southern Rhone. It is also grown in South Africa, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, Washington State and California.

Serving Shiraz Wines
Because of Shiraz' rich bold structure and berry flavors, the wine goes well with a peppered steak as well as lamb, duck, venison or grilled kangaroo if you happen to be dining in Australia. Shiraz can be drunk upon release but is best with a few years of age and is capable of 10-20+ years of cellaring. Serving temperature should be around 65 degrees.

Shiraz wine values from The Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator and WineBlueBook

The Wine Advocate recommends these value Shiraz wines:

  1. 2006 Oliverhill Winery Shiraz Jimmy Section scored 93 and suggested retail is $30
  2. 2005 Hewitson Ned And Henry's scored 92 and suggested retail is $19
  3. 2006 Pillar Box Shiraz Reserve scored 92 and suggested retail is $24
  4. 2007 Cat Amongst The Pigeons Shiraz scored 91 and suggested retail is $14
  5. 2006 Corrina Rayment Shiraz Revolution scored 91 and suggested retail is $14

WineBlueBook.com recommends these value Shiraz wines:

  1. 2006 Hewitson, Shiraz Barossa Valley Ned & Henry's scored 91 points and suggested retail is $18
  2. 2006 Mr. Riggs, Shiraz Mclaren Vale The Gaffer scored 91 points and suggested retail is $18
  3. 2007 Torzi Matthews, Shiraz Eden Valley Schist Rock scored 91 points and suggested retail is $19
  4. 2006 Earthworks, Shiraz Barossa Valley scored 90 points and suggested retail is $10
  5. 2006 The Winner's Tank, Shiraz Langhorne Creek scored 90 points and suggested retail is $12

The Wine Spectator recommends these value Shiraz wines:

  1. 2006 Peter Lehmann Shiraz Barossa scored 91 and release price was $16
  2. 2006 Pure Love Shiraz Barossa Valley Layer Cake scored 90 and release price was $16
  3. 2006 Wayne Thomas Shiraz McLaren Vale scored 90 and release price was $17
  4. 2006 3 Rings Shiraz Barossa Valley scored 91 and release price was $20
  5. 2006 Jim Barry Shiraz Clare Valley The Lodge Hill scored 91 and release price was $20
For more information about Shiraz and other wines we recommend Karen MacNeil's "The Wine Bible." Among wine encyclopedias, it has the distinction of being both authoritative and entertaining. For wine prices we recommend WineSearcher.com and to find wine values, we recommend WineBlueBook.com.