This is the first Shiraz I’ve made, which is probably a little strange given it’s one of the defining varieties of Western Victoria. I’ve deliberately held off until now, partly because there are already plenty of very good examples around. I figured that if I was going to make one, it was worth waiting for the right opportunity to make something special.
“Original Recipe” is a playful nod to KFC, but more importantly a reference to the long history of Shiraz in Western Victoria. The region has been making great wines from this variety for around 160 years, so there’s a pretty good recipe to work from.
REGION: Grampians, Victoria
VINEYARD: Single site Great Western Vineyard, on red clay, on Djub Wurrung Country
VINTAGE: 2025
VARIETAL: 100% Shiraz
GROWING SEASON: 2025 was the goldilocks vintage, featuring warm temperatures that never got too hot, creating near-perfect conditions for grape growing and resulting in beautifully balanced wines.
WINEMAKING: Earlier pick, 100% destemmed fruit into open top fermenters. A relatively cool, natural ferment that included a more active working of the cap in the early stages before a more hands off approach towards the end. 12 months rest in 10% new French oak with the remainder in older puncheons. Vegan friendly.
ALCOHOL: 14%
FOOD MATCH: With a little more structure than the other reds in our offering, our Shiraz can hold its own beautifully next to richer dishes such as Osso Bucco or a flame grilled steak.
This is the first Shiraz I’ve made, which is probably a little strange given it’s one of the defining varieties of Western Victoria. I’ve deliberately held off until now, partly because there are already plenty of very good examples around. I figured that if I was going to make one, it was worth waiting for the right opportunity to make something special.
“Original Recipe” is a playful nod to KFC, but more importantly a reference to the long history of Shiraz in Western Victoria. The region has been making great wines from this variety for around 160 years, so there’s a pretty good recipe to work from.
REGION: Grampians, Victoria
VINEYARD: Single site Great Western Vineyard, on red clay, on Djub Wurrung Country
VINTAGE: 2025
VARIETAL: 100% Shiraz
GROWING SEASON: 2025 was the goldilocks vintage, featuring warm temperatures that never got too hot, creating near-perfect conditions for grape growing and resulting in beautifully balanced wines.
WINEMAKING: Earlier pick, 100% destemmed fruit into open top fermenters. A relatively cool, natural ferment that included a more active working of the cap in the early stages before a more hands off approach towards the end. 12 months rest in 10% new French oak with the remainder in older puncheons. Vegan friendly.
ALCOHOL: 14%
FOOD MATCH: With a little more structure than the other reds in our offering, our Shiraz can hold its own beautifully next to richer dishes such as Osso Bucco or a flame grilled steak.