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The results in full from the Syrah Masters 2018

We reveal the results in full from this year’s Global Syrah Masters, which saw great names and regions rewarded, as well as some less-familiar areas that are turning out remarkable wines from this wonderful, if somewhat unfashionable grape.

Sampling Syrah: Keith Isaac MW and Jonathan Pedley MW (right)

If one were to draw up a list of the most sought-after, saleable grape varieties in the world right now, I’m saddened to say that Syrah probably wouldn’t feature. Other so-called Mediterranean varieties such as Grenache and Tempranillo seem to elicit more excitement among wine lovers, although all of the above lag Pinot Noir for the ultimate in premium image and general popularity, with Cabernet not far behind.

So why isn’t Syrah more sexy? Based on another major tasting within our Global Masters series for noble grapes, the quality of wine made from Syrah today is not the problem. In fact, of all the red grapes we consider in a raft of annual wine competitions, Syrah consistently yields the most number of Gold medals, and above: we had no fewer than 8 Masters from this year’s tasting. This is remarkable considering the calibre of our judges and the high scores necessary across the board to achieve such a result.

So, if Syrah is the source of delicious wines, surely this grape should be in vogue? Of course, but there are issues around its image, not helped by the fact wines made from the variety are generally labelled Syrah if they are from Europe, and most commonly Shiraz when they are from outside, especially from Australia. This may be yielding some confusion for consumers, and, while there are broad stylistic implications associated with each name, they don’t always hold true. Generally, Shiraz denotes a richer riper style of red from the grape, with Syrah used for something lighter and more floral. But, as our extensive tastings have shown, there are plenty of concentrated wines labelled Syrah, and some of the new styles of Shiraz from Australia, particularly where whole bunches go into the fermenters, can be surprisingly delicate, even Pinot-esque.

Then there’s the grape’s lack of lustre as a producer of fine wine. This is, of course, misplaced: for some, the greatest red wine in the world is made from Syrah: La Chapelle in Hermitage. However, this historic home of the grape, the northern Rhône, produces wines sold according to appellation, eschewing varietal labelling, meaning that some of the world’s best expressions of Syrah don’t actually overtly promote the grape.

Meanwhile, the upmarket image for the grape in the US especially has been damaged by the success of inexpensive Australian Shiraz, particularly sold under the brand Yellow Tail. Or so I’m told. And in this market particularly, where fashion is so important to sales – and wine is almost entirely merchandised by variety – one major player in the market commented that if the wine says Syrah on the label, it doesn’t move, but if you take it off, it can become a best-seller. The implication being that people actually love the taste of Syrah, just not the image.

But while commerciality is key in the wine industry, our Global Masters tastings seek to identify the sources of quality – by place and producer. Now, while the base level may be unusually high for Syrah, there are of course areas where the results are much better than others, and, as this year’s results show, some of these come as no surprise (Barossa, Hermitage), others are a revelation (Turkey, Greece, Switzerland…). So, whatever the source, let’s consider the standouts.

Now, while there were plenty of pleasing reds sub £10, the first Gold medal winners were seen once we had surpassed that key price point. As is so often the case with wine, the price-quality sweet spot comes above £12, and, if I was to choose a price band where you can maximise the amount of wine you can get for your buck, it would probably be beyond £12 and below £19 for Syrah. But even at £15 or lower, we saw some brilliant wines, notably from Washington State’s Ste Michelle, as well as the Barossa (Graham Norton, Andrew Peace, Wakefield/Taylors), Colchagua (MontGras) and Florina in Greece, where it seems that Syrah reaches delicious completion when blended with a touch of this nation’s native Xinomavro at the country’s Alpha Estate.

Over £15 but still below £20, and the number of Golds increased dramatically, with Argentina (Trivento, MP Wines) this time featuring, as well as Turkey (Kavaklidere), and New Zealand (Church Road). Among the blends, we also had our first Master, which was impressive at this still relatively low price, with Kalleske’s Moppa Shiraz benefitting from a touch of Petit Verdot and Viognier, giving some added structure and aromatics respectively to this intense, juicy and soft Barossa Shiraz.

Between £20 and £30, we had no fewer than 14 Golds and one Master, showing the potential for Syrah to perform at the entry-point price-wise of the fine wine market. Noteworthy in this band was the excellence of a Syrah from California, hailing from the Yorkville Highlands AVA, based in the southern Mendocino County, and produced by Copain – a winery within the Jackson family portfolio. Coming close in quality, however, were some more rarified Syrahs from names already mentioned (such as Wakefield/Taylors, Alpha Estate) as well as new ones to the Gold standard (representing Australia’s Barossa were: Jacob’s Creek, St Hugo, Langmeil, Tempus Two; Argentina’s Uco Valley: Trapiche, Salentein; South Africa’s Tulbagh: Saronsberg, and New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay: Craggy Range).

And, coincidentally, between £30 and £50, we had the same tally at the top-end, with 14 Golds and one Master. Regarding the latter, the judges were seriously impressed by the Ebenezer Shiraz from Barossa, and produced in tiny quantities by Hayes Family Wines. The tables show the other lovely wines in this category, but we were pleased to see after the tasting was concluded that great wines from Barossa; the Valais (Switzerland’s Domaines Chevaliers) and Marlborough (New Zealand’s Giesen) had been rubbing shoulders quality-wise with Hermitage (Romain Duvernay).

Once we were over £50, however, we couldn’t help but award a clutch of Masters, with the Barossa’s Savitas and Levantine Hill wowing the judges, as did the Hermitage Monier de la Sizeranne from Chapoutier, and the Hickinbotham Brooks Road Shiraz from McLaren Vale – all celebrated wines attracting glorious scores. But there was another region among the Masters, and that was a wine from a relatively new area for top-end Syrah (if becoming famous for great reds from Sangiovese and Merlot) – the Maremma in Toscana. Hailing from Conti di San Bonifacio Sustinet, this turned out to be just on the entry-point of this price band, retailing for £50, making it all the more appealing among these illustrious labels.

Although that was the only Master for Italian Syrah, there were also two Golds in this price category awarded to this country – a delicious sample from Lazio, produced by the Famiglia Cotarella, as well as one from Cortona, made by Fabrizio Dionisio in Toscana.

We were also thrilled to see strong performances from famous names in Syrah such as Mission Estate (New Zealand) and Château Tanunda, Bird in Hand, Langmeil, Henschke, Gatt and Schild Estate (Australia).

In all, the tasting had rewarded the renowned along with the less familiar, as it was talent, not repute, that the Syrah Masters sought to reward through its blind-tasting format.

Please see below for the list of medallists from the Global Syrah Masters 2018.

For more information on this competition, or any of the Global Masters, please contact Sophie Raichura on:
+44 (0)20 7803 2454 / +852 3488 1008, or sophie@thedrinksbusiness.com

The judges (left to right): Roberto della Pietra, Tobias Gorn, Jonathan Pedley MW, Keith Isaac MW, Patrick Schmitt MW, Jonny Gibson

Syrah (100%, oaked)

Company Wine Region Country Vintage Medal
Under £10
Blaxland Vineyard Domain Barossa Domain Barossa Australia 2016 Silver
KWV Cathedral Cellar Shiraz KWV South Africa 2015 Silver
Monte da Ravasqueira Syrah Monte da Ravasqueira Portugal 2017 Silver
Viña del Pedregal Carta Vieja Reserva Syrah Viña del Pedregal Chile 2017 Silver
Viña del Pedregal Aves del Reserva Syrah Viña del Pedregal Chile 2017 Silver
Maycas del Limarí Sumaq Syrah Maycas del Limarí Chile 2016 Bronze
Viña del Pedregal G7 Reserva Syrah Viña del Pedregal Chile 2017 Bronze
Rib Tickler (Boutinot) Shiraz Sté Boutinot USA 2016 Bronze
Stone Cottage Stone Cottage Stone Cottage Australia 2016 Bronze
Rocland Estate Duck Duck Goose Rocland Estate Australia 2016 Bronze
William Cole William Cole Reserve Syrah Chile 2017 Bronze
£10-£15
Viña MontGras Antu Syrah MontGras Chile 2016 Gold
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Jaraman Shiraz Taylors Wines Australia 2017 Gold
Viña Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Syrah Concha y Toro Chile 2016 Silver
Pernod Ricard Winemakers Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Matured Shiraz Jacob’s Creek Australia 5th Vintage Silver
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Special Release Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2016 Silver
Andrew Peace Wines Ripasso Shiraz Andrew Peace Wines Australia 2015 Silver
newRhône Millésimes AOP Crozes Hermitage Romain Duvernay France 2016 Silver
Pernod Ricard Winemakers Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz Jacob’s Creek Australia 2016 Silver
Maycas del Limarí Reserva Especial Maycas del Limarí Chile 2016 Silver
Bird in Hand Two in the Bush Shiraz Bird in Hand Australia 2016 Silver
Berton Vineyards Limited Gundagai Shiraz Berton Vineyards Australia 2016 Silver
Australian Vintage Nepenthe Altitude Shiraz Adelaide Hills Barossa Winery Australia 2016 Silver
Vina Siegel Siegel Special Reserve Syrah Siegel Family Wines Chile 2016 Silver
Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery Single Vineyard Syrah Cono Sur Chile 2017 Silver
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Special Release Shiraz Taylors Wines Australia 2017 Silver
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Wakefield/Taylors Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2017 Bronze
DGB Boschendal 1685 Shiraz DGB (Pty) Ltd South Africa 2016 Bronze
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Marea Valle de Leyda Syrah Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Chile 2015 Bronze
Famiglia Cotarella Tellus Syrah Famiglia Cotarella Italy 2016 Bronze
Santa Sylvia Syrah Xumek Sol Huarpe Santa Sylvia Argentina 2017 Bronze
Langmeil Winery Prime Cut Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia 2016 Bronze
Romain Duvernay St Joseph Romain Duvernay France 2016 Bronze
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Family Selection Gran Reserva Syrah Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Chile 2017 Bronze
£15-£20
Trivento Bodeyas y Viñedos Golden Reserve Syrah Trivento Argentina 2015 Gold
Kavaklıdere Şarapları Pendore Syrah Kavaklıdere Şarapları Turkey 2013 Gold
Wakefield/Taylors Wines One Giant Leap Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Bird in Hand Bird in Hand Shiraz Bird in Hand Australia 2016 Gold
Gemtree Wines 2016 Uncut Shiraz Gemtree Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Church Road McDonald Series Syrah Church Road New Zealand 2016 Gold
Australian Vintage McGuigan Cellar Select Shiraz Hunter Valley Australia 2016 Gold
Bird in Hand Bird in Hand Syrah Bird in Hand Australia 2016 Gold
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Reserve Parcel Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2017 Gold
Viña Ventisquero Kalfu Sumpai Syrah Viña Ventisquero Chile 2016 Gold
M.P. Wines Pyros Appellation Syrah Pyros Wines Argentina 2016 Gold
Finca Las Moras Gran Syrah Finca Las Moras Argentina 2015 Silver
Hayes Family Wines Hayes Family Wines Barossa Valley Shiraz Hayes Family Wines Australia 2016 Silver
Bodegas Borsao Borsao Zarihs Bodegas Borsao Spain 2015 Silver
Kavaklıdere Şarapları Egeo Syrah Kavaklıdere Şarapları Turkey 2015 Silver
Wakefield / Taylors Wines Taylor Made Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2015 Silver
Masciarelli Syrah Colline Pescaresti IGT Marina Cvetic Masciarelli Italy 2015 Silver
Romain Duvernay Cornas Romain Duvernay France 2016 Bronze
Australian Vintage McGuigan Shortlist Barossa Valley Shiraz Barossa Winery Australia 2016 Bronze
Australian Food & Beverage Group Grand Barossa Shiraz Château Tanunda Australia 2016 Bronze
Richard Kershaw Wines Kershaw Elgin Clonal Selection Syrah Richard Kershaw Wines South Africa 2015 Bronze
Australian Vintage Nepenthe Pinnacle Shiraz Adelaide Hills Barossa Winery Australia 2016 Bronze
Langmeil Winery Valley Floor Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia Bronze
Richard Kershaw Wines Kershaw Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah Richard Kershaw Wines South Africa 2016 Bronze
£20-£30
Jackson Family Wines Copain Tous Ensemble Syrah Copain USA 2014 Master
Mission Estate Winery Jewelstone Syrah Mission Estate Winery New Zealand 2016 Gold
Pernod Ricard Winemakers Jacob’s Creek Reserve Limestone Coast Shiraz 2016 Jacob’s Creek Australia 2016 Gold
Elephant Hill Estate & Winery Elephant Hill Reserve Syrah Elephant Hill New Zealand 2015 Gold
Wakefield/Taylors Wines Reserve Parcel Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Langmeil Winery Orphan Bank Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia 2015 Gold
Pernod Ricard Winemakers St Hugo Barossa Shiraz 2015 St Hugo Australia 2015 Gold
Saronsberg Cellar Saronsberg Shiraz Saronsberg Cellar South Africa 2016 Gold
Wakefield/Taylors Wines Jaraman Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Australian Vintage Tempus Two Pewter Shiraz Tempus Two Australia 2016 Gold
Langmeil Winery Hallowed Ground Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia 2016 Gold
M.P. Wines Salentein Numina Syrah Bodegas Salentein Argentina 2015 Gold
Craggy Range Vineyards Craggy Range Syrah Gimblett Gravels Vineyard New Zealand 2016 Gold
Jackson Family Wines Yangarra Estaste Shiraz Yangarra Winery Australia 2015 Silver
Pernod Ricard Winemakers NZ Church Road Grand Reserve Syrah Church Road New Zealand 2016 Silver
Pernod Ricard Winemakers Jacob’s Creek Reserve Limestone Coast Shiraz Jacob’s Creek Australia 2017 Silver
Australian Vintage McGuigan Personal Reserve Shiraz Hunter Valley Australia 2017 Silver
Tokara Tokara Reserve Collection Syrah TOKARA South Africa 2014 Silver
Gemtree Wines Ernet to Ernest Gemtree Wines Australia 2016 Silver
Elephant Hill Estate & Winery Elephant Hill Syrah Elephant Hill New Zealand 2016 Silver
Planeta Maroccoli Syrah Planeta Italy 2013 Silver
Australian Vintage Tempus Two Pewter Shiraz Tempus Two Australia 2015 Bronze
£30-£50
Hayes Family Wines Hayes Family Wines Vineyard Series Ebenezer Shiraz Hayes Family Wines Australia 2016 Master
Pernod Ricard Winemakers Jacob’s Creek Centernary Hill Shiraz Jacob’s Creek Australia 2013 Gold
Hayes Family Wines Marcus Old Vine Shiraz Schulz Wines Australia 2013 Gold
Wakefield/Taylors Wines St Andrews Shiraz Wakefield/Taylors Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Gemtree Wines Obsidian Shiraz Gemtree Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Château Tanunda Terroirs of the Barossa Eden Valley Shiraz Château Tanunda Australia 2016 Gold
Sidewood Estate Mappinga Shiraz Sidewood Estate Australia 2015 Gold
Romain Duvernay Hermitage Romain Duvernay France 2016 Gold
Giesen Wines Giesen Single Vineyard Clayvin Syrah Giesen Wines New Zealand 2013 Gold
Gatt Wines Gatt Shiraz Gatt Wines Australia 2014 Gold
Domaines Chevaliers Syrah Rhône Saga Domaines Chevaliers Switzerland 2016 Gold
Levantine Hill Estate Levantine Hill Estate Syrah Levantine Hill Estate Australia 2015 Gold
Australian Vintage Tempus Two Copper Shiraz Tempus Two Australia 2014 Silver
Château Tanunda Terroirs of the Barossa Ebenezer District Shiraz Château Tanunda Australia 2016 Silver
Domaines Chevaliers Syrah Rhône Saga Domaines Chevaliers Switzerland 2015 Silver
Australian Vintage McGuigan Farms Barossa Valley Shiraz Barossa Winery Australia 2015 Silver
Hayes Family Wines Hayes Family Wines Vineyard Series Greenock Shiraz Hayes Family Wines Australia 2016 Silver
Ktima Pavlidis Emphasis Syrah Ktima Pavlidis Greece 2014 Silver
Viña Ventisquero Pangea Viña Ventisquero Chile 2013 Silver
M.Chapoutier Les Granilites M.Chapoutier France 2014 Silver
Esporao Esporao Syrah Portugal 2012 Silver
DeBortoli Wines Yarra Valley Single Vineyard Section A8 Syrah DeBortoli Wines Australia 2015 Bronze
Baracchi Winery Syrah Riserva Baracchi Winery Italy 2015 Bronze
Château Tanunda 50 Year Old Vines Shiraz Château Tanunda Australia 2015 Bronze
£50+
Savitas Wines Pty Savitas Reserve Shiraz Savitas Wines Australia 2015 Master
M.Chapoutier Monier de la Sizeranne (Biodynamic) M.Chapoutier France 2012 Master
Levantine Hill Estate Levantine Hill Melissa’s Paddock Syrah Levantine Hill Estate Australia 2015 Master
Jackson Family Wines Hickinbotham Brooks Road Hickinbotham Australia 2015 Master
Conti di San Bonifacio Sustinet IGT Conti di San Bonifacio Italy 2013 Master
Château Tanunda 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz Château Tanunda Australia 2015 Gold
Bird in Hand Nest Egg Shiraz Bird in Hand Australia 2014 Gold
Langmeil Winery The Freedom 1843 Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia 2015 Gold
Savitas Wines Savitas Wines Barossa Valle Shiraz Savitas Wines Australia 2014 Gold
Henschke The Wheelwright Henschke Australia 2015 Gold
Bird in Hand MAC Shiraz Bird in Hand Australia 2013 Gold
Kalleske Wines Eduard Shiraz Kalleske Australia 2016 Gold
Famiglia Cotarella Ogrà Famiglia Cotarella Italy 2013 Gold
Fabrizio Dionisio Il Castagno Fabrizio Dionisio Italy 2015 Gold
Gatt Wines Old Vine Single Vineyard Shiraz Gatt Wines Australia 2012 Gold
Schild Estate Wines Narrow Road Barossa Valley Shiraz Schild Estate Wines Australia 2016 Gold
Cabernet Sauvignon
Kalleske Wines Greenock Shiraz Kalleske Australia 2017 Silver
Langmeil Winery Pure Eden Shiraz Langmeil Winery Australia 2014 Silver
Savitas Wines Reserve Shiraz Savitas Wines Australia 2014 Silver
Australian Vintage Tempus Two Uno Shiraz Pinot Noir Tempus Two Australia 2017 Silver
Alpha Estate Alpha One Alpha Estate Greece 2012 Bronze
Australian Vintage Tempus Two Uno Shiraz Tempus Two Australia 2013 Bronze

Syrah (blended, oaked)

Company Wine Region Country Vintage Medal
Under £10
Iconic Estate Hope Shiraz Reserve Iconic Estate Australia 2017 Silver
Viña Concha y Toro Casillero del Diablo Shiraz Viña Concha y Toro Chile 2017 Silver
Herdade dos Lagos HDL Reserva BIO Sociedade Agricola Portugal 2015 Silver
Viña Maipo Vitral Syrah Viña Maipo Chile 2016 Bronze
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Reserva Syrah Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Chile 2017 Bronze
£10-£15
Ste Michelle Wine Estates Syrah Château Ste. Michelle USA 2016 Gold
Andrew Peace Wines Winemakers Choice Barosa Shiraz Andrew Peace Wines Australia 2015 Gold
Invivo Wines Graham Norton’s Own Shiraz Invivo Wines Australia 2015 Gold
Alpha Estate Alpha Estate Axia Syrah – Xinomavro Alpha Estate Greece 2015 Gold
Berton Vineyards Limited Coonawarra Shiraz Berton Vineyards Australia 2016 Silver
Berton Vineyards Limited Heathcote Shiraz Berton Vineyards Australia 2016 Silver
Berton Vineyards Reserve Barossa Shiraz Berton Vineyards Australia 2016 Silver
Leo Hillinger Hill Side Leo Hillinger Austria 2015 Silver
Viña Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Syrah Concha y Toro Chile 2016 Bronze
DeBortoli Wines Woodfired Shiraz DeBortoli Wines Australia 2017 Bronze
Vignobles & Compagnie Côtes du Rhône Vignobles & Compagnie France 2017 Bronze
La Motte Wine Estate La Motte Syrah La Motte South Africa 2015 Bronze
£15-£20
Kalleske Wines Moppa Shiraz Kalleske Australia 2017 Master
Ste Michelle Wine Estates The Pundit Tenet Wines USA 2016 Gold
Jackson Family Wines Cambria Tepusquet Syrah Cambria USA 2014 Silver
DeBortoli Wines Villages Heathcote Shiraz Grenache DeBortoli Wines Australia 2016 Silver
Vinedos Terranoble Terranoble Syrah/Tempranillo Terranoble Chile 2017 Bronze
Viña Luis Felipe Edwards LFE900 Single Vineyard Viña Luis Felipe Edwards Chile 2014 Bronze
DGB (Pty) Ltd Bellingham the Bernard Series Basket Press Syrah DGB (Pty) Ltd South Africa 2015 Bronze
£20-£30
Trapiche Iscay Syrah – Viognier Trapiche Argentina 2015 Gold
Alpha Estate Alpha Estate S.M.X. Alpha Estate Greece 2015 Gold
Pirathon Wines Pirathon Shiraz Pirathon Wines Australia 2016 Gold
DeBortoli Wines LaBoheme Act 4 Syrah Gamay DeBortoli Wines Australia 2017 Silver
Berton Vineyards Berton Vineyard High Eden The Bonsai Berton Vineyards Australia 2016 Silver+
£30-£50
Saronsberg Saronsberg Full Circle Saronsberg Cellar South Africa 2016 Silver
Savitas Wines Savitas SGM Savitas Wines Australia 2015 Silver

Syrah (rosé, blended)

Company Wine Region Country Vintage Medal
£30-£50
Dal Cero Versy in Rose Dal Cero Family Italy 2017 Bronze

Syrah (100%, unoaked)

Company Wine Region Country Vintage Medal
Under £10
Barramundi Shiraz Barramundi Australia 2017 Bronze
Vignobles & Compagnie Voiturette Wine of France Syrah Vignobles & Compagnie France 2017 Bronze

Syrah (blended, unoaked)

Company Wine Region Country Vintage Medal
Under £10
Barramundi Shiraz, Petit Verdot Barramundi Australia 2017 Silver
Andrew Peace Wines Kentish Lane Andrew Peace Wines Australia 2017 Silver
£15-£20
Charles Smith Wines Boom Boom! Syrah Charles Smith Wines USA 2016 Silver

About the competition

In a crowded wine-competition arena, the drinks business Global Syrah Masters stands out for its assessment of wines purely by grape variety rather than by region. Divided only by price bracket and, for ease of judging, style too, the blind-tasting format allowed wines to be assessed without prejudice about their country of origin.

The best wines were awarded medals that ranged from Bronze through to Gold, as well as Master, the ultimate accolade, given only to exceptional wines in the tasting.

The wines were judged by a cherry-picked group of Masters of Wine and senior buyers on 13 September at No.11 Pimlico Road Bar & Restaurant in London.

This report features only the medal-winners.

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