Syrah vines have been grown in McLaren Vale for almost 150 years. A few small patches of vines up to 100 years in age survive today, yielding tiny quantities of exceptional fruit. The Balmoral Syrah is handpicked from a selection of premium sites. This outstanding McLaren Vale Syrah has been named Balmoral after the Oatley family homestead, built in 1852.

This McLaren Vale classic is matured nearly two years in new American oak prior to bottling. The richly textured fruit and deep, velvety tannins interweave beautifully into a long, harmonious finish. 15 years plus cellaring potential.

Tasting Note

Nose

Perfumed nose, with aroma of violets, spice and cedar followed by a blackberry endnote. 

Palate

The palate is leaner than the nose suggests, with flavours of white pepper, cedar, liquorice and blackcurrant emerging. Fine-grained tannins, followed by a long spicy black pepper, blackcurrant, cedar aftertaste. 

Ratings

Wine Spectator 93 - A bit more aristocratic than most Aussie Shirazes, this one strikes a beautiful chord of rich blackberry and currant fruit, hinting at anise and pepper. Has a fleshy frame, with sweet spicy notes darting in and out through the long, harmonious finish. Drink now through 2010. 10,000 cases made. (Harvey Steiman, August 31, 2002)

Wine Enthusiast 92 - This is what Syrah was meant to taste like. It has big blackberry flavors mixed with nutmeg and clove, which give it great complexity and depth. The finish is full and long. (Drink 2004-2012) February 1, 2003.

AWARDS Winery Rosemount Estate Australia
2003 INTERNATIONAL WINERY OF THE YEAR - Wine & Spirits Magazine
2002 JIMMY WATSON TROPHY - Royal Melbourne Wine Show Australia
2000 WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR - Wine & Spirits Competition London
1992 BOB OATLEY Graham Gregory Trophy - Wine Industry New South Wales
1986 WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR - Wine & Spirits Competition London
1983 FIRST AUSTRALIAN WINERY WINDS DOUBLE GOLD - London International Wine & Spirits Challenge

Please Note

A collector's item! We believe this wine to be wonderful - however, as with all aged wines, it comes with a 'Buyers be aware' clause, and some labels may not be perfect. If you have any queries, please just drop us an email or give us a call!

Specifications