Top Canadian Shiraz/Syrahs

The best shiraz/syrahs at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards

(39 entries, 35 medals)

The syrah juggernaut continues to roll; almost every wine entered garnered a medal. Nine golds (including Red Wine of the Year for Church & State) plus 15 silvers is the strongest showing for any variety. B.C. owned the category this year, with only one gold from Ontario, earned by upstart Colaneri. B.C.’s efforts are so uniformly impressive that one wonders if this grape will totally dominate the southern Okanagan in the years ahead. “Some very distinctive terroirs are finally showing through,” said Sid Cross. “Amazing white pepper and even better acidity than in the South Rhône make these syrahs very promising rookies on the world stage.”

Below is a slideshow with tasting notes for the gold medal shiraz/syrah winners at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.

A complete list of the silver and bronze medal winners may be found on the last slide in the slide show.

Syrah/Shiraz CWA Gold Medal Winners

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Church & State 2009 Coyote Bowl Syrah

91Points

What is so impressive about this syrah is the way that it combines northern Rhône scents and structure with warm climate generosity. Floral, herbal and peppery, with classic orange peel and bacon fat notes on the nose. Mouth-filling dark fruit add power through ripeness, but brisk acidity gives this wine great edge. Drink now or in the next 5 years. This wine won a gold medal at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.

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