2014 Powell & Son Loechel Shiraz

Powell & Son is the relatively new project of Dave Powell, founder of Australia’s famed Torbreck and his son Callum. After being unceremoniously ousted from Torbreck, Powell decided to turn his focus to small production Shiraz, Grenache, and Mataro from unique and often very old vineyards in the Barossa Valley. Together with his son, Powell has created a line of wines that are often described as being a blend of Barossa and the Rhone. What is undeniable is the near universal praise the Powell & Son wines have received as well as immediately establishing their status as collectors wines.

South Australia is the nation’s most important wine region. South Australia is to Australia what California is to the U.S. About half of Australia’s wine comes from South Australia and many of the country’s most acclaimed producers are there. Wineries based in South Australia include Penfolds Grange, Torbreck, Amon Ra, Henschke and Jacob’s Creek. The prestigious Barossa Valley is located in South Australia, and is often compared to Napa Valley because it is gorgeous topography covered in grape vines. First farmed by 19th century German-speakers who immigrated from what is now Poland, the Barossa Valley is the crown jewel of the region. South Australia has widely varying climates, from very hot, dry areas to cooler, high altitude areas. There are more than 150,000 acres of vineyards in South Australia, with more being planted each month. Shiraz is king, though the region also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Mourvedre, Chardonnay and Semillon.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.