Southern Belle Shiraz

Southern Belle Shiraz
image from gardenandgun.com

Hello friends!  I know it has been 7 months and I have not disappeared.   I have been trying many different wines and bourbons; and now I have a lot to write about. I have made a few New Years Resolutions this year and one of them is to write more about what I like and keep up on the postings for this blog.    My first installment for the Month January is Southern Belle Shiraz.

Southern Belle Shiraz is the creative effort of wine aficionado Dan Philips of Southern Australia.  Philips is the palate behind the "Grateful Palate", which imports Australian wines and peddles mail-order edibles, including his bacon of the month club. At first Philips idea to age wine in bourbon barrels was rejected and winemakers refused to do it.  There is this perception that the French way is better; and French Oak is always better.  Lucky for us, Philips did not get discouraged and found wine makers to create Southern Belle Shiraz.  The sad news about this delicious wine is that it is a limited quantity and is only released twice a year.   The last release was Fall 2013.  I do not know when it will be released again but I am hoping it will be soon and I believe it will be around the next release of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon.  Southern Belle Shiraz is aged for 18 months in the 20 year old Pappy Van Winkle bourbon barrels, which is one of the most sought after bourbons on the market, and is only released twice a year with a very strict allotment per retail outlet.  The wine and spirit shop where I work (Capital Cellars Frankfort, KY) only had two bottles of the Pappy Van Winkle 20 year old for sale and we did not have one bottle left over for behind the bar.  Now for the those who pay close attention to alcohol content, you will be happy to know that Southern Belle Shiraz has an alcohol content of 17.6% (that is 35.2 proof for all you bourbon and whiskey aficionados). This is a wine I highly recommend getting or trying if you can.

Southern Belle Shiraz

Grape:  Shiraz/Syah

Region: Australia

Appearance: Very dark purple, nearly black

Nose: intense aromas of vanilla, oak, nutmeg, and very fruity

On the palate: Fairly light, very little tannin, flavors of caramel, toffee, and possible some leather and a warm nutty flavor in the back.  The back of the palate contains notes of leather.  The warm nutty vanilla flavors may be from the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Barrels.  The wine is smooth and has a nice lingering flavor.

This wine is a true delight from the moment it is opened to the very finish.  It makes you wish you had more.