What is this? Australian Shiraz Review?

I can’t help that I get sent a lot of Shiraz, and nor am I discounting it. Please, send me your good Shiraz, winemakers of the world. But a lot of Shiraz samples = a lot of Shiraz reviews. Funny that.

Anyway, enter the Taylors Masterstroke Shiraz 2019.

I like the more Clare-y, more interesting Cabernet Shiraz more, but this is still substantial stuff. McLaren Vale Shiraz, so we’re further away from the Taylors heartland. Mainly American oak too, which is also against the grain. Yet this is no Penfoldian mega wine. Nah. It’s rather withdrawn with brooding dark fruit below the surface and plenty of tannins.

Plenty substantial, but also a little sweet and sour through the finish, the acidity notably raw. It’s going to get better, sure, but there’s a missing element of generosity here, despite the serious concentration. It’s the sort of thing where you try and it but don’t want more than a few glasses. My score is an each-way bet, as the tannins are pretty handy.

Taylors Masterstroke Shiraz 2019. Best drinking: wait. A year, two, five. All welcome. 17.7/20, 92/100+. 14.5%, $60. Taylors website. Would I buy it? Not when the Cab Shiraz is so much better.