Four shiraz wines to put on your radar

We do shiraz very well here in Australia, which means there's always a plethora of high-quality options for you to explore. To make your purchasing decisions easier, we spoke to the winemakers from three Australian wineries – Barristers Block Wines with vineyards in the Adelaide Hills and Wrattonbully, Quiet Mutiny in Tasmania and Helen & Joey Estate in the Yarra Valley – about their approach to winemaking, their shiraz wines, and how best to enjoy them.

Whether you're after a weeknight drop to enjoy on the couch, a crowd-pleasing bottle to crack open when friends or family drop round, or a showstopper to impress the harshest critic, the four shiraz wines ahead will satisfy the occasion.

2021 Barristers Block The Bully Shiraz, Wrattonbully

Owner Lachlan Allen says: The Bully Shiraz speaks proudly of Wrattonbully – generous fruit, a solid backbone of structure and a style that is both approachable and ageworthy. It’s a true expression of the region’s power and charm.

How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to this wine?
LA. The wine spends 18 months in French oak, which frames the bold fruit without overshadowing it. The approach is to balance richness and drinkability, letting the vineyard character shine while still delivering complexity and weight.

What is the ultimate food pairing for this wine?
LA. The Bully Shiraz is made for hearty fare – think chargrilled ribeye, beef ragu or lamb shanks slow-cooked with rosemary. Its generosity makes it equally at home on the table for a Sunday roast with family and friends.

RRP $44 | barristersblock.com.au | Shop this wine

2023 Quiet Mutiny Venus Rising Syrah, Tasmania

Winemaker Greer Carland says: At Quiet Mutiny, we're excited by the renaissance of Tasmanian syrah, which thrives in our cool, extended growing season. The vibrant bright fruits, layered with peppery spice and a smooth, plush mouthfeel make this wine eminently drinkable. It has drink-now appeal as well as medium-term ageability.

How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to this wine?
GC. Our intention is to craft a wine that is an honest expression of the Derwent Valley using traditional and uncomplicated techniques. We use wild fermentation in small open vats. A small percentage of the bunches are left whole to add a lovely savoury nuance to the tannin profile and to balance the very jubey nature of the fruit. A shorter stay of around 10 months in oak ensures freshness and tension remain in balance with structure.

What is the ultimate food pairing for this wine?
GC. We love to partner the exotic spice and bright acidity with game dishes – think duck confit or braised wallaby shanks. The plush-fruited palate also lends itself beautifully to grilled meats, from spice rubbed lamb shoulder to a classic gourmet burger.

RRP $58 | quietmutiny.wine | Shop this wine

2023 Helen & Joey Estate Re'em Syrah, Yarra Valley

Winemaker Adam McCallum says: This syrah is a bold and complex expression, crafted through whole-bunch fermentation and extended maceration on skins. Aged in a single new French oak puncheon, the result is a wine with depth and power, showcasing dark brooding notes of fresh and dried fruits, white pepper and earthy tones.

How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to this wine?
AM. My approach is to get the yield as low as possible so that we can give the vineyard the best chance to express itself through the shiraz. Once in the winery, I try to get as much carbonic character by fermenting whole bunches that have been gently stomped by foot (pigeage). The aim is for the berries to ferment within themselves and minimise contact with the stems, which can produce a more dominant character. I believe the perfume and texture are greatly enhanced with this type of ferment – resulting in elegant and restrained power.

What is the ultimate food pairing for this wine?
AM. Best food pairing would be lamb shanks or scotch fillet steak with Dijon mustard and chips.

RRP $80 | helenandjoeyestate.com.au | Shop this wine

2021 Barristers Block J.P Reserve Shiraz, Wrattonbully

Owner Lachlan Allen says: The JP Shiraz is named in honour of our founder, Jan Patricia, and represents the pinnacle of what we craft. It’s a wine of patience, precision and detail – luxurious, powerful and extraordinarily refined.

How do you approach the winemaking process when it comes to this wine?
LA. This wine undergoes an uncompromising élevage: 18 months in French oak, then a further 18 months in new French oak. That extended maturation builds depth, complexity and incredible longevity. Every decision is about refinement and balance, creating a wine that sits at the very top of our portfolio and rewards long-term cellaring.

What is the ultimate food pairing for this wine?
LA. A wine of this calibre deserves something equally elevated: slow-roasted venison, wagyu beef or duck with truffle jus. Its finesse and length also make it an exceptional companion to earthy dishes like wild mushroom risotto with shaved truffle.

RRP $299 | barristersblock.com.au | Shop this wine