Seductively Delicious Shiraz, March 18

You say Shiraz and I say Syrah.  In France this grape is known and grown as Syrah, and responsible for some of the Northern Rhone's big, bold red wines. Down Under in Australia and South Africa it goes by name "Shiraz and is responsible for producing outstanding, delicious red wines.

The success and recognition of Australian Shiraz started long ago with a Shiraz from Victoria competing in the 1878 Paris Exhibition being likened to Château Margaux and "its taste completed its trinity of perfection." And the vintage of 1971 won first prize in Syrah/Shiraz at the Wine Olympics in Paris. Shiraz or Syrah?  It's actually the same grape.  We sample 8 wines from the 2001 to 2008 vintages from some very notable wineries including Brokenwood, Leeuwin Estate, Alkoomi, Rockfort Wines and others from most of the major wine producing regions in that great continent known as OZ.  Our vintages range from 2001 to 2008.

Theme:  Seductively Delicious Shiraz
Date: Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM EST
Where: University of Toronto Faculty Club, 41 Wi
llcocks Street, Toronto, ON M5S 1C7
Cost: TVC Members:  $69;  Non-members & guests:  $89
Register & Buy Tickets  - NOTE: ALL ticket sales are FINAL!

Australian Shiraz Results, Oct. 2012

We enjoyed some very lovely and big Australian Shiraz wines on October 16, 2012 with guest speaker, Malcolm Cocks, President of the Australian Wine Society of Toronto (AWS) and of Glen-Ward wines.  For some reason, we didn't get his rankings noted below but you can see how our group rated them.

Name of Wine (in order poured)	Group Ranking	Guest Ranking
A - 2007 Alkoomi Jarrah Shiraz $39.95	8
B - 2008 Leeuwin Estate Art Series Shiraz $44.95	7
C - 2007 Kilikanoon Parable Shiraz $39.95	1
D - 2008 Best's Bin No. 0 Shiraz $56.95	6
E - 2002 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz $52.21	5
F - 2001 Rockfort Basket Press Shiraz $79	3
G - 2005 Henschke Mount Edelstone $99.95	2
H - 2007 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz $120.20	4

Shiraz from Down Under

Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz

Shiraz is made for Down Under - its hot climate is perfect for bringing out the best traits in this popular grape varietal. Australian Shiraz is seductively delicious, with startlingly rich, ripe aromas that deliver right through to the full zesty finish. We sample 8 elite wines such as the 2001 Rockfort Basket Press Shiraz, 2002 Mitchell McNicol Shiraz, 2007 Brokenwood Graveyard Shiraz and others, from various areas (Margaret River, Frankland River, Mclaren Vale, Barossa, etc.) to show you interesting regional differences in Shiraz.  We will be joined by guest speaker Malcolm Cocks, chair of the Australian Wine Society. Please join us for what will likely be an unforgettable evening!  As always, we will be serving appetizers with the wines.

Theme:  Aussie Shiraz
Date:      Tuesday, October 16/12
Time:      6 PM
Where:   41 Wilcocks St., Toronto, ON (U of T Faculty Club)
Cost:      TVC Members:  $68;  Non-Members/Guests:  $88  (includes reception wine plus light appetizers with the wines)
Buy tickets  Note:  All ticket sales are final. No refunds will be offered unless we sell out and have a wait list.

Henschke Mount Edelstone Shiraz