2019 Fallen Giants Shiraz, Grampians, Victoria
The Grampians dominates the township of Halls Gap in western Victoria. An imposing ancient sandstone mass with Dreamtime stories calling out the fallen giants that carved out the mountains, escarpments and ravines that the area is known for. And it is this landscape that provides a buffer to the afternoon sun for vineyards nestled at its foothills on elevated blocks. These sites benefit from the warmth of the day which abates early for a longer cooler period for ripening. This is a good thing for us.
The 2019 Fallen Giants Shiraz is from a vineyard at the base of the Grampians National Park located within the Grampians wine region in Victoria. It is a deep dark purple in the glass and you can do nothing else other than like it right there. The nose is a sea spray of spice, plums, soy, herbs and violets; highly appealing. The palate has a cool climate thread through it with cherries, plums, blackberries, spices, pepper and a hint of mocha. The tannins are velvety and elegant supporting a remarkably long persistence of flavours. It summary, this is a very good thing for us.
Enjoy!
Rating: 94 pts
Closure: Screwtop
Alc: 14.5%
Drink: Now; 7-15 yrs
Price: $35
Tasted: December 2021
The Unexpurgated Wine Code 
Hi James
with a score of 94 points from you, does that mean you don’t think it deserved the 2021 Jimmy Watson Trophy? I tried a bottle a couple of weeks ago, I think it needs a bit of time to settle down and incorporate the myriad of flavours it currently has. Hope you are well.
Regards David
LikeLiked by 2 people
All going well thanks David. I must admit I thought I may have been a bit harsh. I did know at the time of tasting it had won the Jimmy. It was an excellent wine. I do have a 6 pack that remains intact to complete some re-assessment! All the best, James
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes a very good wine James getting both the Jimmy and Mast trophy in 2021 and made by the Bests winemaker. This makes it 3 Jimmies for Grampians/Great Western and confirms it as one of the best areas for Shiraz in Australia. I was able to get a half dozen and I think David Luxford did the same – that was the maximum purchase you could get for joining their newsletter.
I think more good things to come for the area with Jim Chatto now consulting for Bests.
The fallen Giants vineyard was the old Boroka vineyard from which many fines were procured 40 years ago! (Trevor Mast also owned it for a while).
Regards
Geoff
LikeLiked by 2 people
Your knowledge always amazes me Geoff. I wondered if it was the Boroka vineyard. Incidentally I did visit and taste there back in 1991!!! Camped at the Halls Gap camping ground with koalas going bananas! I did buy some, but alas long gone. As you say, Shiraz in this area is something to look out for! All the best, James.
LikeLiked by 1 person