Discover A New Side to Shiraz: Kangaroo Island Cool Climate Elegance
As Shiraz lovers around Australia raise their glasses to toast National Shiraz Day, there's no better time to explore the distinctive charm of Kangaroo Island Shiraz.
When you think of Australian Shiraz, your mind might instantly picture the bold, robust wines from warmer regions like Barossa Valley. But what if we told you there's a different, more elegant expression of this beloved grape waiting to be discovered? Welcome to Kangaroo Island Shiraz, where our unique cool maritime climate crafts wines that are beautifully balanced, nuanced, and an exciting discovery for Shiraz lovers.
At The Islander Estate Vineyards, we're passionate about showcasing this distinct regional character. Our cool-climate Shiraz wines offer a refined elegance and a balanced structure. With our focus on French winemaking techniques, our Shiraz wines are all about finesse, complexity, and food-friendly versatility.
The Secret Behind Kangaroo Island's Elegant Shiraz
Kangaroo Island's maritime climate is our secret ingredient. Influenced by the surrounding ocean, our vineyards experience a long, slow ripening period. This extended hang time allows the Shiraz grapes to develop complex flavours and aromas while maintaining crucial acidity and balance. The result? Wines that are medium-bodied, elegant, and incredibly expressive of our unique terroir.
We embrace traditional French winemaking techniques, including wild fermentation, to further enhance the complexity and elegance of our Shiraz. This commitment ensures each bottle reflects not just the grape, but the very essence of Kangaroo Island.
Exploring Kangaroo Island Shiraz
Each of The Islander Estate Vineyard's ranges offers Shiraz wines for every kind of wine lover:
The Red Shiraz: We've just released Vintage 2022 of our classic cool-climate Shiraz, designed for everyday drinking. On the nose, notes of pepper, eucalyptus, and vanilla. Flavours of mulberry and red fruit, hints of toasty oak, and slightly gamey notes. A round, generous mouthfeel leads to a long finish.
Winter Food Pairing: Mid-week casserole or Friday night pizza & footy. Drink now or cellar for up to 5 years.
Bark Hut Road Shiraz/Cabernet Franc: Our signature elegant Bordeaux-style blend offers firm tannins, natural acidity, blackberry and sarsaparilla notes at the darker end of the fruit spectrum, and vanilla and coconut oak notes. Winter Food Pairing: Classic French steak frites or beef bourguignon. This will age beautifully – up to 10 years and beyond.
Old Rowley Shiraz/Grenache: Old Rowley is inspired by the Côtes du Rhône, a full-flavoured, medium-bodied wine about freshness rather than power. Supple raspberry and boysenberry flavours, fresh and soft lifted florals, balanced with vanilla oak and clove notes.
Winter Food Pairing: Duck, Asian braised beef cheek. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
Boxing Bay Shiraz/Cab Sauv: We've added European style to this classic blend. It has notes of pepper, eucalyptus, vanilla, cedar, and baking spices. The flavours are cherry, blackberry, sweet oak, and leather. Ultimately, power and structure prevail in the Cabernet Sauvignon, with Shiraz contributing softness and elegance.
Winter Food Pairing: Slow-cooked brisket. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 15 years.
The Cygnet 2017: No ordinary Shiraz, crafted over six years before release to craft a wine that balances power and elegance. With dark cherries, baking spices, and a hint of earth on the nose, the palate is reminiscent of Christmas in a glass: steeped cherries and dried fruit, spices, and savoury tannins, all wrapped up in a composed structure that extends across the palate and is complemented by long, fine tannins.
Winter Food Pairing: Darker meats and spice-based dishes, such as braised short ribs, Middle Eastern lamb dishes, or slow-cooked pork shoulder, pair well with winter flavours. The Cygnet pays dividends if you can cellar it for up to 15 years.