sdrealtor, I’m more on the Draycott side of Aussie Shiraz. I was in Oz last month and spend a week in wine country. A day in each of Clare, Barossa, McLaren and Coonawarra. Barossa is still where the big fruit bomb reigns, but I actually like McLaren Vale wines better. Its cooler there and so the grapes tend to have more structure. It is however like arguing whether one likes Disneyland or Magic Mtn better. If you like amusement parks you’re going to have a good time either way. If you ever want to impress your wine geek friends (who know Aussie wine) show up with a Wendouree. Its my favorite but man is it hard to get a hold of.
I was also really surprised at the overall quality in Coonawarra. You don’t get many of them distributed here because Napa is so close its tough to beat. On the other hand I think in the next decade Aussie cab will come into its own and people will know about more than bin 707 and Parker estate first growth.
Of course in Oz that Draycott shiraz would be double what it is here, the alcohol taxes there are insane.
Josh
