2003 Branson Coach House Greenock Block Single Vineyard Shiraz

Branson Coach House is in the Barossa Valley. It was established in 1998. But after the death of the founder it was in 2001 purchased by Richard Mintz and Michael Twelftree, the two businessmen who founded Two Hands in 1999. Today wines at Two Hands and Branson Coach House are made by winemaker Matthew Wenk. Branson Coach House vineyards are noted for their excellent fruit, and the Branson Coach House label includes several single-vineyard Shiraz.

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.