The Margaret River wine region is on Australia’s western shores surrounded by the Indian and Southern Oceans. On a map it looks a bit like a pig’s snout. The breeze from the surrounding oceans moderates the area’s Mediterranean climate. Denis and Tricia Horgan converted their cattle farm to vineyards with advice from Robert Mondavi. They released their first commercial wine in 1979. Their 2018 Shiraz has a dense, dark ruby color that is very inviting in the glass. Aromas of black fruits are layered with notes of strawberry vanilla, citrus and black pepper. It is medium light bodied with flavors of blackberry, black plum, strawberry mingling with vanilla and baking spices brightened by crisp acidity followed by chalky tannins. Serve it with a grilled steak or a mushroom Bourguignon.
Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River (Western Australia) Shiraz 2018
By Rebecca Murphy