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WILD OATS SHIRAZ MUDGEE, CENTRAL RANGES NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

Shiraz and Syrah are the same grape - just as Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. If anything, the wines produced from this grape differ in style. Shiraz, the preferred name in Australia, is typically a sumptuous, fruit-forward, jammy wine; Syrah, the preferred name in France, varies greatly. Shiraz is the signature grape of Australia, just as Sauvignon Blanc is the signature grape of New Zealand, and Malbec of Argentina. Shiraz from Australia became very popular in this country in the 80s and 90s, but is less so now. Tastes change: not too long ago Chardonnay and Merlot were the preferred white and red wines in the United States; now it is Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir (with Red Blends a close second).

Wild Oats is, in the tradition of Australian Shiraz, fruit-forward and jammy. It is a dark wine (the grape itself is very dark-skinned), balanced, with a velvety mouthfeel, exhibiting aromas and flavors of dark berries, plums, mocha, and black pepper; it pairs well with barbecued foods and similar dishes. 

Taste and see!