Danshi Rise 2006 Shiraz Oct 08

Tasting Note

Sydney Time

Danshi Rise 2006 Shiraz Oct 08

When I first tried this wine, the only things I knew about it was that it came from McLaren Vale, it was Shiraz, and it was a 2006. I knew nothing about the history of the wine, who make it, how it was made, or what it cost; that’s as unbiased as one can get.

The bouquet seemed reticent, almost flat but there was some clean, spicy fruit lurking below the surface. A well-balanced wine driven by pure, deeply-seated fruit that is offset by fresh acid and dusty tannins; its ample weight, firm, solid and although it is approachable now, it will loosen up and throw off its tight shackles with time. Plum, rich chocolate, blackberry, and oregano flavours are off sweet, have good length and linger well. The fruit and oak well proportioned, the mouth feel is attractive, and there is no heat despite the 15% alcohol. Rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value; it is sealed with a screwcap. It is excellent value at $25 and should be in its peak drinking window between 2012 and 2019.

The fruit comes from Stephen Daniel’s property at the foothills of Willunga. The wine has been made using minimal handling techniques by Paul Petanga, and only 300 cases have been made. This is one I would certainly be happy to have in my cellar.