2010 Deakin Estate Shiraz

This is a terrific example of what the Australian wine industry does really well in the irrigated waters along the Murray: producing full-flavoured, everyday reds at fair prices. Deakin's usual offer excellent value for money. However, I haven't enjoyed a Deakin Shiraz as much as this since the 2001. It is sourced from Deakin's extensive estate vineyard in the Murray Darling, not far from Mildura. Portions of the blend are aged in French and American oak and stainless steel so that the pure redcurrant, red cherry flavours are emphasised, with just a hint of oak. The 2010 Deakin Shiraz is silky smooth with a long core of ripe sweet red berry fruit balanced by gentle, dry tannins. It's an uncomplicated easy drinking wine so it's well suited to dishes such as pizza, chicken stir fry or sausages and mash.

Rating: Bloody Good

Cost: $ 10

Winemaker: Phil Spillman

Wide availability in all Australian states.  

Reviewed: 3 April 2012