This Australian Down Under Shiraz is our pick for a cold and blustery Friday night in Michigan. We Michiganders are tired of cold weather and today was really COLD! But, we are home and snuggled in for the night so we can’t complain.
For dinner tonight, I browned pork loin chops in hot olive oil until brown (in a heavy cast-iron skillet) then I added potatoes (cubed, with skins on) and a sauce of chicken broth and mushrooms (thickened) and it has been simmering for over an hour. I will add a vegetable when we finally decide we are done reading the paper and ready to sit down and eat.
Happily, this wine is a treat. The nose is big and bold and the color is inky. On the palate, this is bursting with black pepper with oak on the finish. It is truly an Australian Shiraz from start to finish. A great complement to our dinner tonight.
Gigi, you would like this one!
October 19, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Just received the Westend Estates Shiraz and it is great – It was a $99 deal at 4 season wines for 12 bottles and I am delighted.
Happily, this wine is a treat. The nose is big and bold and the color is inky. On the palate, this is bursting with black pepper with oak on the finish. It is truly an Australian Shiraz from start to finish. I couldn’t have said it better!
I’ll check your blog again soon.
Paul
October 19, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Thank you, Paul. I do hope you will check in often. We welcome your comments!
November 22, 2009 at 6:51 pm
Hi Tom & Melody,
The Down Under Shiraz you have mentioned what year is it and from what winery. I just purchased a bottle of Down Under Shiraz from Westend Estates. I was told it was worth trying but a bit thrown off by the price. $4.99 a bottle. Any insight?
Carolyn
November 22, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Hi Carolyn, I am afraid I don’t remember the details about this wine, but I do know we really enjoyed it. Go ahead and try it even if it is very inexpensive. Price is not an accurate predictor of wine quality. . .
January 28, 2010 at 8:51 pm
We recently opened a bottle of Shiraz 2005 -Burley Fox- Limestone Coast, Australia. Produced by Westend Estates. It was wonderful my problem is I do not know where it came from. It may have been from a Wine Club I belonged to briefly or a gift from someone. I have searched for the wine on-line and have checked with a popular wine distributor in Houston and I am unable to find where to buy this wine. Can you help???
October 14, 2010 at 5:37 pm
I absolutely love this wine as well. I was born and raised in Michigan, and have lived in S. Florida for 2 years now. It’s even great on a cool fall Florida evening. No matter what price you pay for this, It’s Great!! Another favorite of mine is Middle Sister – Rebel Red….
October 21, 2010 at 7:21 pm
Jennifer, which is better: Florida or Michigan? Inquiring minds want to know! Thanks for the recommendation for Middle Sister. Will be on the look out!
January 26, 2011 at 1:02 am
I also think the 08 Down under Shiraz is a great value for the price. Its available here for about $5/bottle, and I’ve not had a better Shiraz for less than twice that.