Henry's Drive Shiraz Dead Letter Office 2009

Winery: Henry's Drive

Varietal: Syrah

There are few red wine grape varietals in the world quite as versatile as that of the Shiraz/Syrah vine. These powerful darkly colored grapes are responsible for several wildly popular wines, and are used in the production of still, fortified and sparkling wines, all which carry its magnificent strong flavors very well indeed. This grape varietal is a robust one, easily adaptable to several different climates and terroirs, and yet has a strong ability to express the conditions it is grown in when it ferments and is drank. Most typically, Shiraz/Syrah wines are known for spicy flavors with a big fruity punch, and the fact that they can demonstrate the decisions made by the winemakers in their secondary flavors very clearly.

Region: Limestone Coast

The Limestone Coast in Southern Australia has long since been an important wine producing region for the country, with almost one third of all Australian wines being produced there. The region benefits enormously from its coastal position, enjoying a cool maritime climate for much of the year, complete with brisk ocean breezes which help the grapes ripen slowly and fully. Many of the highest quality wines of Australia are made in this special region, most notably the excellent Cabernet Sauvignon wines made from Limestone Coast grapes. However, grapes of both colors grow exceptionally well in the mineral rich soils of Limestone Coast, and wineries have for many decades experimented successfully with a range of grape varietals, making it an interesting and exciting region for wine makers and drinkers alike.

Country: Australia

Whilst every Australian state has some level of wine production, it is in South Australia and on the island of Tasmania where the finest wines are made to the highest quantities. Here, the scorching Australian sun is a little tamer, and the heat is tempered by brisk oceanic winds, making the climate of these regions ideal for vineyard cultivation. The Tamar Valley on Tasmania has been making waves internationally in recent years, as both Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grape varietals are thriving there and resulting in hugely flavorful wines, which are at once distinctly Australian, yet remain unique and interesting enough to surprise and impress. Elsewhere in the country, the Syrah grape (known locally as Shiraz) reigns supreme, as the long, hot summers allow these grapes to ripen fully and lend their intensely fruit-forward character to the ruby red Australian wines, which have such international appeal.