2002 The Governor Shiraz

The 2002 The Governor Syrah was the very first vintage of this wine. Medium-deep garnet-brick colored, it offers evolved notes of kirsch, tea leaves, tobacco and sandalwood. Medium bodied and elegantly fruited in the mouth, the delicate spicy flavors are supported by satiny tannins and medium to high acidity, finishing long with some anise coming through. Drink it now. During my visit to McLaren Vale, I tasted a small vertical of Aramis’ The Governor Syrah with the winery’s managing director, Lee Flourentzou. The Aramis vineyard is in Willunga, a relatively cool climate pocket just 1.5 miles from the ocean. The wines are now made by the highly skilled winemaker at Chapel Hill, Michael Fragos. Only 300-400 cases of the winery’s flagship, The Governor, are made every year. Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.tapwc.com.au