Xabregas Show Reserve Shiraz 2007 (Great Southern, WA)
$26, Screwcap, 15%
Winery Website

Xabregas – It sounds like some sort of Greek God, complete with flowing robes, beards and lightning bolts. In truth, Xabregas is ‘a place on the border between the parishes of Marvila and Beato, Lisbon. Here lies the Monastery of the Mother of God (or Monastery of Xabregas)’ (thankyou Wikipedia Portugal). I’m not sure of the relevance, but it’s certainly exotic and evocative, and when combined with the clever contemporary packaging, it looks more expensive than it actually is. (High fives for the Xabregas Marketing Department) I’m happy to report it tastes pretty good too.

Deep, blood red in colour, it looks dense (which is unsurprising considering the alc.). The nose is delicious – star anise, stewed plum, pepper and pretty purple fruit. It’s very ripe and open on the nose, with obvious upfront appeal: It’s trophy winning, crowd pleasing stuff. Palate wise it follows the same formula – a high octane rush of purpley black fruit and gritty tannins. It’s just a little too ripe for my palate, but there is no heat on the end, just a block of squishy fruit.

Looking into my wine crystal ball, I can see this wine winning fans easily. Technically, it’s quite a simple & very ripe, but with undeniable charm and feel good fruit. Good drinking fare. 17.3