Sparkling (Shiraz or Red) Recommendations?

coriander

Established Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2014
Posts
1,812
Qantas
Gold
Virgin
Red
Mrs C has decreed that Sparkling Shiraz is required with the duck dish she is planning for Xmas eve dinner.
Checked the cellar (ie the boxes downstairs) and discovered a couple of bottles of Seaview of dubious age and heritage.

Could the cognoscenti here give me a bit of advice on what to choose (Dan's got about 20)? I only need 2-3 bottles, not a case. Do I play safe with , say, the Chandon Sparkling Pinot Shiraz (safe as by name, not necessarily taste). I'm currently at very low ebb in SWMBO's estimation, so need to be spot-on with my wine presentation in an effort to lift my status credit with her to above "Abstinence" :shock: !
 
Last edited by a moderator:
What do you want to pay?

Seppelt Original is around $20, consistently good and widely available.

I also read recently that Black Chook at around $15 is good.

If you want to splash out, Seppelt do an aged version under crown seal for around $90.
 
There is only one Sparkling Shiraz but getting it is the problem for most.

Rockford Sparkiling Black Shiraz, $62.50 at cellar door if they will sell it to you.
If you really want you could ring Rockford on 1800 088 818 and ask if there is a store in MEL that might have some (although not at that price I would imagine)

A good Pinot Noir is perfect with duck but I doubt that Mrs C would approve.
 
There is only one Sparkling Shiraz but getting it is the problem for most.

Rockford Sparkiling Black Shiraz, $62.50 at cellar door if they will sell it to you.
If you really want you could ring Rockford on 1800 088 818 and ask if there is a store in MEL that might have some (although not at that price I would imagine)

A good Pinot Noir is perfect with duck but I doubt that Mrs C would approve.

I totally agree Buzz, beautiful wine :)
 
There is only one Sparkling Shiraz but getting it is the problem for most.

Rockford Sparkiling Black Shiraz, $62.50 at cellar door if they will sell it to you.
If you really want you could ring Rockford on 1800 088 818 and ask if there is a store in MEL that might have some (although not at that price I would imagine)

A good Pinot Noir is perfect with duck but I doubt that Mrs C would approve.

A little OT but....

The Rockford SBS is a blended non-vintage so I assume it is ready to drink when released - is that correct?

If putting it away, how long would those with experience say was optimal?
 
Seppelt Original
Brown Brothers Cellar Door Release Sparkling Shiraz 2012 - personal favourite
Fox Creek Vixen Sparkling Red
 
Majella have a decent sparkling shiraz around the $35 mark. Had a 6 pack of the 2007 recently and it was very enjoyable.

Nothing on Black Shiraz tho of course!
 
The Frequent Flyer Concierge team takes the hard work out of finding reward seat availability. Using their expert knowledge and specialised tools, they'll help you book a great trip that maximises the value for your points.

AFF Supporters can remove this and all advertisements

There is only one Sparkling Shiraz but getting it is the problem for most.

Rockford Sparkiling Black Shiraz, $62.50 at cellar door if they will sell it to you.
If you really want you could ring Rockford on 1800 088 818 and ask if there is a store in MEL that might have some (although not at that price I would imagine)

A good Pinot Noir is perfect with duck but I doubt that Mrs C would approve.

To repeat, There is only one Sparkling Shiraz (worth drinking). Rockford Sparkiling Black Shiraz; but as Buzz intimates, left it a bit late to acquire :(
 
Thanks, everyone, for the prompt and great feedback and suggestions: you've given me a great short list to peruse.
My budget is anywhere from $25-$75.
I note that the Majella received a couple of favourable comments elsewhere here on AFF.
The Rockford sounds awesome, but all I see is "Out Of Stock" everywhere (I'll maybe try to get some for Xmas 2016).

Yes, Mrs C definitely likes a Pinot Noir (the Goaty Hill is her current favourite), but feel we need something with a bit more "oomph" for the very flavoursome rich duck marylands she'll be presenting.
 
A little OT but....

The Rockford SBS is a blended non-vintage so I assume it is ready to drink when released - is that correct?

If putting it away, how long would those with experience say was optimal?

Correct, can be enjoyed immediately.
My oldest however is a 2009 which shall be consumed very shortly :cool:
 
The Joseph Sparkling Red NV by Primo Estate - ask a wine maker - they love it! Expensive tho

Also Turkey Flat - cracker at $45
 
Majella have a decent sparkling shiraz around the $35 mark. Had a 6 pack of the 2007 recently and it was very enjoyable.

Nothing on Black Shiraz tho of course!

Majella do a special twice a year on their sparkling Shiraz, $120/6 delivered. The current Xmas offer has expired though. Sparkling Shiraz | Majella Wines

Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz is available direct at $38 after free club membership Black Queen Shiraz | Peter Lehmann Wines
IMO it's better than Rockford Black and my Monday Tasting Group agreed last week, ranking the Black Queen 2010 and 2009 ahead of the current Rockford. Also better than Rockford at about the same price is Charles Melton Sparkling Shiraz 2008, only available direct I think. 2008 Sparkling Red

For quick shopping at Dan's:
Fox Ck Vixen NV, Morris Shiraz-Durif NV at the cheaper end. Maybe Bleasdale NV if you like them a bit sweeter.

Leasingham Classic Clare 2006 at $40 plus is good, a bit oaky for some.
Some DM may still have E&E Black Pepper Sparkling Shiraz 2005 in the mid 30's, last of the line and not much around anymore.
Cofield if they have it is usually good.
 
The Joseph Sparkling Red NV by Primo Estate - ask a wine maker - they love it! Expensive tho

Also Turkey Flat - cracker at $45
Joseph is very good, impressive tall bottle too.

Charles Melton 2008 is better than the current Turkey Flat release IMO, although a bit more expensive.

If you can find it, this is magic stuff Rumball Vintage Show Reserve Sparkling Shiraz 2002 - 6 bottle case Your Wine Guy, I bought heaps of it from the Lions Den when it was offered a while back in the mid $30's, still have a dozen left.
 
Majella do a special twice a year on their sparkling Shiraz, $120/6 delivered. The current Xmas offer has expired though. Sparkling Shiraz | Majella Wines

Peter Lehmann Black Queen Sparkling Shiraz is available direct at $38 after free club membership Black Queen Shiraz | Peter Lehmann Wines
IMO it's better than Rockford Black and my Monday Tasting Group agreed last week, ranking the Black Queen 2010 and 2009 ahead of the current Rockford. Also better than Rockford at about the same price is Charles Melton Sparkling Shiraz 2008, only available direct I think. 2008 Sparkling Red

For quick shopping at Dan's:
Fox Ck Vixen NV, Morris Shiraz-Durif NV at the cheaper end. Maybe Bleasdale NV if you like them a bit sweeter.

Leasingham Classic Clare 2006 at $40 plus is good, a bit oaky for some.
Some DM may still have E&E Black Pepper Sparkling Shiraz 2005 in the mid 30's, last of the line and not much around anymore.
Cofield if they have it is usually good.
RedBigot and his site are my expert guidance on this. Like him I would personally rate both the Black Queen and the Joseph over the Rockford which I do certainly like but can in my opinion be a bit variable. Majella and the Cofield also very nice (and somewhat cheaper).
Love a good SS!
 
Thanks once again, both to redbigot and burmans. I've sourced three bottles of the Joseph Sparkling Shiraz and am looking forward to sampling it on Christmas Eve (the name Joseph also has some family connections, which was a bonus). You've also given me a nice short list to work my way through over the next few months.
 
Thanks once again, both to redbigot and burmans. .... You've also given me a nice short list to work my way through over the next few months.

Ditto. What great suggestions in this thread. I also love the Biblical connection to the Joseph for this time of year. Coriander - where did you source the Joseph from?
 

Enhance your AFF viewing experience!!

From just $6 we'll remove all advertisements so that you can enjoy a cleaner and uninterupted viewing experience.

And you'll be supporting us so that we can continue to provide this valuable resource :)


Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..

Recent Posts

Back
Top