WTN: 2008 Konzelmann Shiraz (Niagara Peninsula VQA)

$12.95 on general list in the VQA section at the LCBO. Natural particle-cork closure. 13% alc./vol.

Attractive medium-garnet with a dark-ruby hue. The wine will need a bit of decanting once opened; I suggest at least an hour. Very intense, forward, white-pepper spice on the nose with secondary herbal notes of minty anise and a hint of licorice. Crisp and light on the entry, with good acidity but also balance. No more than medium-bodied, but oh-so-flavourful with all that peppery / meaty spice. Oak spice comes in just at the start of the finish. Some alcoholic warmth reverberates on the aft palate at this point. Oak spice also wraps up the finish.

Shiraz is not one of the more prevalent red viniferas in Niagara, but each one I have tried has been interesting. The grape always displays big white-pepper aromas in this part of the world. What the wines lack for body (remember: this ain't Oz, nor is it California), they certainly possess in overall spiciness and tastiness. Most surprisingly, 2008 was a rainy, below-average vintage - and yet the wine is showing really nicely. Given a choice, I would prefer this over any of the locally grown Cabernets.

Generally, I'm not a fan of Shiraz (Syrah), however a few folks are now planting it on the US side of the river. One winery (Arrowhead Springs) used their first meager crop (2007) to make a rosé that I liked. The 2008 is a red, but I haven't tried it yet.

Hiya Howie!

You know, what I like about Shiraz in our neck of the woods is that distinct pepperiness that it displays: I find it so much more enjoyable than the other kind of "bell pepperiness" that the Bordeaux varieties tend to scream, year in, year out in this general region.

Of course, I would love to see Noiret make some waves, but with the mentality as it is, that's a long shot.