Phillip Island Winery Pyramid Rock Shiraz, 2008

Phillip Island Winery is best known for its excellent estate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have received high marks from Australian wine critic James Halliday. But it was this cool climate Shiraz that grabbed my attention at a tasting at the winery. While it may not appeal to American and Australian wine drinkers who are looking for a blockbuster Shiraz, it does a good job of capturing the delightful fragrance and flavors of cool climate Shiraz fruit.

The color is a medium deep ruby, and the first sniff brings out delightful aromas of red berries, cherries, pepper and spice. The palate offers up the same in a soft, medium bodied format. No oak is apparent, but there are substantial fine tannins on the palate. It's not your typical Shiraz, but I find it quite appealing, not only for current drinking but for keeping a couple of years.