Masterclass – From Shiraz to Syrah

Big. Bold. Brawny. Think you know shiraz? Not so fast. We’re going beyond the stereotypes for a closer look. These are some of the most exciting wines being made in South Australia and beyond: supple styles with fascinating nuance. Settle in as we put them in a global context. Wine professional Erin Larkin is leading this masterclass alongside winemakers Helen Masters, Riley Harrison and Adam Wadewitz. 

Try remarkable local releases from Ngeringa and Alkina alongside international stars like Ata Rangi, Gaillard and Guigal, exploring the evolution of shiraz and syrah – and their unique personalities. Larkin, whose specialties include judging, private cellar curation and writing for the likes of Halliday Wine Companion and Robert Parker Wine Advocate, will set the scene.  
 
Masters is synonymous with Martinborough in New Zealand, home to the revered Ata Rangi. She first worked for the brand as a teenager while taking a gap year, returning in 2003 and soon becoming winemaker. Considered expression of fruit from low-yield vineyards guides Masters’ work, with her cool-climate syrah among highlights of the finely textured Ata Rangi range. 
 
Harrison, a Young Gun of Wine finalist for the past three years, took a slow and steady approach to development of his eponymous label. Its mission: producing coveted wines with great perfume, mouthfeel and the ability to transport. Grapes are sourced from a range of South Australian sites, with Murdoch Hill supplying the grapes Harrison uses to make his Black Hound syrah and Kookaburra cabernet sauvignon-shiraz.  

The hugely accomplished Wadewitz is joint chief executive and chief winemaker at Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills, and a partner in the MMAD label based in Blewitt Springs. Stints working worldwide have honed his stills, recognised with accolades including joint dux of the Len Evans tutorial. 

INCLUSIONS:

• Food: tasting cheese board
• Beverages: four tasting brackets with four wines in each; a total of 16 wine tastings