Winetastic

The Story Wines are a boutique producer based in Melbourne and a predominantly Shiraz vineyard in the Grampians region. From what I can gather the 2005 “Orphan” Shiraz is their second commercial release under the label.

Slightly off blood red in colour, this shiraz smells like damp English hedgerow berries, dark chocolate and a hint of raspberry jam. Medium bodied yet full in flavour with fleshy blackberry, blueberry and plum up front, some pepper and spices, a soft and supple texture and integrated chalky tannins on a savoury finish.

In essence this Shiraz is a reminder that I need to drink more wine from our Mexican friends south of the border. It is seriously moreish and very reasonably priced at online retailers Squashedgrape and Boccaccio.

Score: 91/100
Price: $20
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Other Opinions: The Story Wines, Winorama
Would I buy this wine?
Yes, very good value for money

The Mount Langi Ghiran “Billi Billi” Shiraz is yet another value for money red highlighted by the current “Top 50″ promotion at Dan Murphy’s.

This Shiraz is blood red in colour with aromas of plum, cherry and chocolate. The wine feels rather full and fleshy in the mouth before bursting into a peppery finish that lingers for some time. With little tannin to speak of and drinking well now, this would be an ideal wine to crack open at a BBQ with a big t-bone steak.

Most red wines are definitely better if opened an hour or two before consumption, the Billi Billi Shiraz represents an extreme case of this rule. Minutes after opening, the peppery characters overwhelmed all other aspects of this wine, however after an hour the fruit characters came into balance.

Score: 7/10
Price: $14
Closure: Screwcap
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, this is a good value for money quaffing red with character.