This year's winner of the Decanter World Wine Awards International Trophy for the Best in Show Red Rhône Varietal Over £15 went to Credaro Family Estate, Beach Head Shiraz, Margaret River 2011, Australia.
Credaro Family Estate, Beach Head Shiraz, Margaret River, Western Australia 2011 (14%)
Discreet cherry, raspberry and mint aromas lead to a lifted black-cherry palate with vibrant herbs, white pepper, blueberries, plums.
Not available in the UK
Tasted against • Fortant de France, Reserve des Grands Monts Carignan, Vin de Pays de l’Hérault, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2011 • Château Camplazens, Premium, Coteaux du Languedoc la Clape, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 2011 • Delas, Seigneur de Maugiron, Côte-Rôtie, Rhône, France 2010 • Monteverro, Tinata, Tuscany, Italy 2009 • De Trafford, Syrah 393, Stellenbosch, South Africa 2010
Here, as with the Under £15 International Trophy, a New World Shiraz takes the glory, beating stiff competition. The Credaro family first settled in Margaret River in 1922 after Cesar Credaro emigrated from northern Italy. Today the family estate is run by Robert and Phyllis Credaro, with their four sons, Matt, Jason, Mike and Chris.
The first commercial plantings were made in 1988, with a 4ha Cabernet Sauvignon block. The Credaros now own four individual vineyards within Margaret River, as well as managing a number of others.
This Trophy winner is 100% Margaret River Shiraz and a blend of two adjacent estateowned vineyards in Carbunup, respectively 21 and 15 years old. Aided by abundant rainfall in the winter and spring, followed by dry, hot summers, the Credaros believe that Margaret River’s maritime influence makes it ideal for growing quality Rhône-style Shiraz with spicy berry, clove and olive characters.
Made by Dave Johnson, the first vintage of the Beach Head Shiraz 2009 was downgraded from the Estate label as the Credaros didn’t think it was good enough. It went on to win five gold medals, a trophy and 97 points (the highest ever score for a Margaret River Shiraz by James Halliday). Margaret River has been associated largely with fine Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Thanks to the Credaro family, we are now going to have to add Shiraz to the list.
Anthony Rose
Written by Decanter
