Coriole McLaren Vale Shiraz, 1998

McLaren Vale is one of my favorite spots for Australian Shira, and this is a good one, although probably a bit past its prime.

Deep and dark. Good color. Syrah herbal notes beginning to show up along with black fruits and spice. Tannic on the mid-palate and missing a bit of freshness. Australian Shiraz simply lacks the acidity of Northern Rhone Syrah, and that is what many Australian wine drinkers prefer. As far as I'm concerned, the lower acidity makes for a less complex and intriguing drink.