When the popularity and appeal of Syrah inspired Ravenswood to create a Vintners Blend from that varietal, Joel faced a challenge he didn’t have with other California grapes: Its newness to the United States meant he’d have to rely on younger vines and less experienced winemakers. By contrast, however, he had connections to a place where Syrah has been successful for 100 years: Australia, where it’s called Shiraz.

Tasting notes

Dark, jammy, plummy and spicy, it exudes Syrah̵7;s trademark pepper, along with sweet ripe fruit and smoky meat. Our most in-your-face Vintners Blend to date, it gives new (read: Aussie) meaning to the motto ”No Wimpy Wines.”

Wine maker notes

Good drop, that: Sourced mainly from McClaren Vale and Barossa Valley — the most prestigious growing regions on the Red Continent — the Vintners Blend Shiraz is a slam dunk from Down Under.