About The Pack
Many of the legendary Hunter Valley wines of the 1950s and 1960s, were blends of Shiraz and Pinot Noir. The very best of those wines that survive today are some of the most sought-after in the country. They are unicorn wines, and some of the more profoundly delicious things you will ever taste if you're lucky enough to find a bottle.
But somewhere along the line, the Shiraz/Pinot partnership fell out of vogue. Australia became obsessed with mono-varietal winemaking. The idea that 'bigger is better' in Australian red wines left little room for the medium weight, aromatic style of red that this duo produces. Now that Australian wine drinkers are looking for a more vibrant style of red wine, the blend is back in a shiny new form.
The modern Shiraz/Pinot is built predominantly for early drinking. Bright, silky, popping with fruit and ready to rip. Places like the Yarra Valley and the Adelaide Hills seem ideally suited to producing these blends and now plenty of producers are catching on.
Here are six examples of this uniquely Australian blend that we've really enjoyed recently. Check them out, everything that's old is new again. Enjoy!
2018 The Other Wine Co. Pinot Shiraz
Stepping into the realm of hip new (old) wine styles, the Shaw + Smith team have blended up their own version of Adelaide Hills Pinot Shiraz.
This blend works wonderfully in the Adelaide Hills - the naturally spicy Shiraz of the region finds its perfect foil in the sweetly fruited, floral Hills Pinot Noir.
While the S+S wines are made in a serious, cellaring style, this is meant to be opened and enjoyed immediately.
A 'nouveau' red that's a great addition to this vibrant label.
If you're feeling in the mood or the weather is particularly warm, a light chill on this wine won't hurt one bit.
Read more about 2018 The Other Wine Co. Pinot Shiraz2016 Gestalt Hypnos Shiraz Pinot
A vanguard producer of the Adelaide Hills takes on Hunter tradition. And they nail it.
Shiraz and Pinot Noir have always gotten on well. Some of the great old wines of Australia were made through a righteous pairing of these two varieties.
The word 'Gestalt' translates losely to 'greater than the sum of its parts'. That's certainly the case in this wine.
The silky, spicy core of cool-climate Shiraz meets the beautiful perfume and energy of Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir - it's a winning combination.
Read more about 2016 Gestalt Hypnos Shiraz Pinot2017 Mac Forbes EB38 Showdown #2 Pinot Syrah
Mac Forbes loves to tinker with new blends in his EB range.
Last year was Nebbiolo/Pinot, this year is Pinot/Syrah.
This meeting of varieties was made famous in the Hunter Valley where some of the country's greatest wines were made half a century ago. Mac brings the blend to the Yarra with great results.
The richness and spiciness of the Syrah, the prettiness of the Pinot, the varieties get along brilliantly.
Slippery, spicy, floral and delicious, this is one experiment that has definitely paid dividends for Mac.
Read more about 2017 Mac Forbes EB38 Showdown #2 Pinot Syrah2018 Dappled Limited Release Pinot Syrah
The return of the old-school Shiraz Pinot blend is one of the more surprising Australian wine trends of the last five years.
In a place like the Yarra Valley in particular, the blend makes perfect sense. The suppleness of the Pinot Noir, the spiciness of the Shiraz - the two varieties compliment each other very well.
This version by Shaun Crinion at Dappled is superb. It's sleek, slippery and tickled with spice.
Here's a cool-climate red wine with beautiful aromatics that most will fall in love with immediately.
Read more about 2018 Dappled Limited Release Pinot Syrah2018 Giant Steps LDR Pinot Syrah
The LDR (Light Dry Red) is a lipsmacking blend of Pinot Noir from the Primavera vineyard high in the hills of the Yarra Valley and Syrah from Phils Sexton's home block on the Valley floor and the notable Tarraford vineyard.
It's slinky, seductive, and incredibly easy to drink. Campbell Mattinson had no problems in offering a strong recommendation in his 92 point review.
If you love this uniquely Australian blend, with all the history and nostalgia that Pinot/Shiraz conjure up for Australian wine lovers, this is a beautiful modern rendition which should absolutely be on your hit list.
Read more about 2018 Giant Steps LDR Pinot Syrah2018 Main & Cherry Pinot Syrah
There's something special that happens when Pinot Noir and Shiraz are blended together.
The lifted fragrence and supple sweet berried fruit of Pinot meshed to the slippery, spicy, plummy fruit of Shiraz is a winning combination.
Michael Sexton, winemaker at Main & Cherry has a great eye for the style, turning out a delicious version of the traditional Australian blend in a bright, early-drinking mode.
If you're on the lookout for a medium-bodied red wine that will suit any occasion, this is a great value option.
Read more about 2018 Main & Cherry Pinot Syrah