Weekly Wine Review - Australian Shiraz - 2005 R Wines Shiraz Barossa Valley Southern Belle

This wine is one that I've had in the wine fridge for a while - probably 3 or so years.  I first tried this wine at one of our favorite Scottsdale restaurants - Cowboy Ciao.  Once a month or so they hold a "Sommelier Showdown" where the owner go up against a challenger (sometimes two challengers) to pair wines with a multi-course meal.  The diners are asked to guess what type of wine was selected before the wines are revealed.  This wine had one of the most unique flavor profiles and aromas of just about anything I've tried.  The reason... some of the wine is aged in bourbon barrels!  How cool is that?  The impact is noticeable but not overwhelming.  Let's see what a little age did to this Southern Belle!

Wine: 2005 R Wines Shiraz Barossa Valley Southern Belle

Region: Barossa Valley, Australia
Grape Varieties: Shiraz (Syrah)

Obtained from: Purchased at Total Wine & More

Price: $34.00

Wino4Life Category: Weekend Wine

Aeration before tasting: Just a swirl or two, no special aeration.

Cork Condition: Screw Top - no defects or issues.

Appearance: Dark purple at the core with a pink rim.

Aroma: Dark fruit, almost cooked or jammy (in a good way), and baking spices. Then there is something in the aroma that could be from the bourbon, perhaps a bit like molasses??  It is hard to figure out, which is one of the reasons I dig this wine!

Taste: Big fruity, full bodied. The bourbon aging adds a bit of pleasant complexity to the flavor.  

The Grade: I give this one an A-.  If not for the unique bourbon barrel aging, I would have likely given this wine a B- because of the cost.  The bourbon aging adds a element of complexity to the aromas and flavors that I find very intriguing. I know I will buy more of this - and if you want to try something a bit different for a few dollars more (and can find some) I suggest you give it a try!