Appreciating The Many Faces of Australian Shiraz

Our Monday Minis Series with Diana Thompson is always a favourite – and a wonderful way to start the week. Each month we focus on a region or theme and enjoy six wines, delivered to your door in mini 55ml bottles.

For this tasting, we’ll be focussing on Australian Shiraz and discovering the many styles and characteristics.  From the velvety textures and earthy spice of Heathcote in Victoria, to McLaren Vale’s bold expressions of dark fruit and chocolate, Barossa’s full-bodied intensity, and the Grampians’ elegant, lighter style – we’ll explore the full spectrum of this iconic varietal.

This will be a special tasting featuring award-winning wines from some of Australia’s most esteemed producers, including Elderton, Penfolds, Mount Langi Ghiran, Lake Breeze, and Kaesler.  It’s a rare opportunity to taste these exceptional Shiraz wines side by side and discover the diversity and remarkable range of styles making up Many Faces of Australian Shiraz.

How does the Tasting Work?

Your box of 6 × 55ml samples will arrive by Saturday 7 March, along with instructions, a tasting sheet and mat for your glasses.

We’ll use Zoom for the tasting. If you don’t already have the app, please download it. You'll receive the Zoom link on Sunday 8 March.Diana will welcome everyone from 6:50pm, begin the tasting at 7:00pm, and finish around 8:00pm.

Questions, thoughts, and general comments are encouraged – the aim is a fun, interactive and informative tasting to start your week with something enjoyable.  Alternatively you’re welcome to sit back and just enjoy the tasting.

If you can’t join live, please ask for a recording after the event. If kept in the fridge, the wines will remain in good condition for at least a week.

What do I need to bring?

It is recommended you have 6 glasses so you can compare the wines (you’ll receive a printed sheet to put them on).  If you don’t have 6 glasses, then try to have at least 2 but no one will be checking!  Some cheese or crackers to nibble on would also be a good idea.

About the Bottles

The bottles we are using for these samples are 100% recycled and recyclable PET which do not taint the wines.  Together with others in the wine trade I have been trialling several different sizes and types of bottles and these are my favourite choice, especially since they are recycled and recyclable.

Wine Delivery

Your box of wines will be delivered by Royal Mail by Saturday 8 November in a package approximately 36cm length x 25cm wide x 5cm deep.  If this size is likely to be an issue, there is an option for them to be delivered in a letter box friendly jiffy bag.  If you would prefer this, please email Diana after you have placed your order.

The cost is just £33 and includes the 6 mini bottles delivered to your door.  You can also request an extra set of wines for someone else in your household to join the same screen for £22.