For those who love New and Old World Syrah and Shiraz, it doesn't get much better than Howard Park's Flint Rock bottling.
A wine that balances New World ripeness of fruit with Old World earthiness and complexity, it really wowed me when I tasted it recently. A glass of this with a hot bowl of your favorite stew would make for a very enjoyable evening :)
2019 Howard Park Shiraz 'Flint Rock'
Savory, rich, lush, complex Aussie Shiraz at a great price!
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Howard Park is one of Western Australia’s pioneering family-owned wineries. With primely located vineyards in the cooler Great Southern region in SW Australia, they make this more subdued, layered, and complex Shiraz. It is a testament to the fact that not all Australian Shiraz has to be jammy and taste of pepper jelly.
Far from it, their Flint Rock Shiraz is quite refined, stylish, and balanced. Located just west of the famed Margaret River region, the Great Southern zone enjoys the same maritime-influenced conditions that are loved by vignerons worldwide. The cooling influence of the nearby ocean provides for hot and sunny days and cool nights.
Under these conditions, Syrah ripens a bit slower and more evenly, and the aromas and flavors are more elegant and finessed. Tasted blind, I would have been torn whether to call Northern Rhone or Central Coast California. I would have been wrong either way :) That's ok, I would have been delighted to find out that this was from Australia and that it was so affordable.
100% varietal and coming from organically farmed, estate vineyards, this leads with spicy and floral aromas of clove, allspice, and violet. With air and time, darker raspberry, ripe plum, and peppery notes emerge on the nose and the palate. Lively and seamless (aka silky) on the palate, this continues to gain depth and complexity the longer it sits in your glass.
It's a very satisfying red and an ideal one to serve with hearty autumn fare or a roaring fire on one of these cool autumn nights.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville