Shiraz-mataz: the LCBO’s best five syrahs under $20
Shiraz-mataz: the LCBO’s best five syrahs under $20
The wine most likely to make you forget it’s February
Syrah, a.k.a. shiraz, is my winter wine—a seductive red with fiery pepper notes and warming alcohol. It is often an expensive wine, whether it’s a traditional and elegant version from the northern Rhône in France or a rich shiraz from Australia. But there’s much more range today, and the syrah landscape is broader, better priced and more dynamic than ever before. Here, my picks of the best syrahs under $20.
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- <p><strong>$16 | Niagara Peninsula | 89 points</strong></p><br /> Creekside makes a very impressive syrah. The cooler vintage of 2011 has brought out its black pepper notes, which mingle nicely with smoky meat flavours, and blackberry and currant fruit. It’s a great alternative if you like Saint-Joseph or other northern Rhône syrahs. Best 2014 to 2017. Serve with ribs. LCBO 66654
- Creekside 2011 Shiraz
- Creekside 2011 Shiraz
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- <p><strong>$11 | Sicily, Italy | 87 points</strong></p><br /> Sun-baked Sicily, with its coastal cool spots, is ideal syrah turf. This one is a bargain from the region—<br /> a wine with easy-drinking, fruity charm and syrah pepper. It’s mid-weight and fresh, with youthful tannin. It’s neither sweet nor astringent. The length <br /> is good for the money. LCBO 145490
- Cusumano 2012 Syrah
- Cusumano 2012 Syrah
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- <p><strong>$20 | Victoria, Australia | 91 points</strong></p><br /> Tournon is a biodynamic winery in Australia owned by Michel Chapoutier of the Rhône. This wine is like Rhône blown up—a real firecracker that’s very peppery, with notes of bacon and capers. It’s fairly fleshy yet taut, powerful and dry. Best 2018 onward. Vintages 336966
- Domaine Tournon 2011 Mathilda Shiraz
- Domaine Tournon 2011 Mathilda Shiraz
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- <p><strong>$19 | Aconcagua Valley, Chile | 91 points</strong></p><br /> Syrah is new to Chile, but winemakers on coastal sites are showing great promise with the grape. This award winner has a fabulous nose of pepper, meat, herbs, and dark berry and cherry fruit. It’s medium-full bodied, dense, rich and smooth, with coffee and anise on the finish. Drink now. LCBO 614750
- Errazuriz Max Reserva 2011 Shiraz
- Errazuriz Max Reserva 2011 Shiraz
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- <p><strong>$15 | Swartland, South Africa | 88 points</strong></p><br /> Cabernet sauvignon used to rule the Cape. But syrah is poised to surge ahead as the number one red, with the best examples coming from hot, arid Swartland. Porcupine Ridge offers a smoky, floral, peppery syrah. It’s smooth, dense and a touch sweet, but piles on great flavour. Serve with winter stew. Vintages 595280
- Porcupine Ridge 2012 Syrah
- Porcupine Ridge 2012 Syrah
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By David Lawrason
Syrah, a.k.a. shiraz, is my winter wine—a seductive red with fiery pepper notes and warming alcohol. It is often an expensive wine, whether it’s a traditional and elegant version from the northern Rhône in France or a rich shiraz from Australia. But there’s much more range today, and the syrah landscape is broader, better priced and more dynamic than ever before. Here, my picks of the best syrahs under $20.
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