One of a Kind

I was going to title this post ‘Unique’.  But it’s too complicated a word for me, and it seems over-used nowadays.  But on thinking about it, ‘unique’ is correct.  There’s really nothing like Sparkling Shiraz.  The Aussies have perfected it over the decades, and they make it in easy and accessible to complex and ageworthy styles that just confound your mind.  It’s a style of wine that they say can go with a multitude of foods and situations, and serve it so, just to prove a point.  And the times I’ve drunk it in such varied scenarios – well, it just works and is delicious.

Hazza had a rather special one, the 2004 Seppelt ‘Show Sparkling’ ‘Limited Release Sparkling Shiraz’ Release September 2013.  From the great Great Western winery, home of so many stunning sparklings.  It was to be served with the turkey, but we had it before, during and after, it didn’t miss a beat or look awkward at any time.  A dark coloured wine, with some age appearing, this was absolutely seamless on nose and palate, but the concentration and core quite sensational.  It’s this integration and smoothness that made it top class.  Along with the gradual and unfolding detail of complexity of savoury, gamey, earthy and secondary undergrowth layers.  Yet the wine remained sweet and youthful throughout.  No autolytic boldness here, and no obvious oaking – as I’ve been told the style must show.  Gorgeous textures, the effervescence just melding in with the fruit extract.  This was so easy to see the bottom of the bottle, as in all great wines, but a little awareness was rewarded with seeing the greatness.