Over the next few posts I’m going to take a look at a few Shiraz/Syrah wines.  In general, if it comes from Australia it’s called Shiraz and if it comes from elsewhere it’s called Syrah—although I’ve seen a few non-Australian ones with Shiraz on the label.  This is an example of just that, it says Shiraz but it comes from France.

Syrah is generally a big wine… big, jammy, juicy, spicy are all terms commonly used to describe it.  Most people I’ve met either love it or hate it.  If you’re into really big wines, you may be a fan of Syrah.

The first one I’m profiling is due to a recommendation from a friend.  I get recommendations for wines all the time and I love getting them.  When I get a recommendation for a wine I haven’t tried I’ll often hunt it down and give it a shot.  The guy who suggested this wine to me said something like, “It’s mighty delicious.”  That sounded like a good endorsement to me, and so I gave it a shot.

Now, the friend who suggested this wine is going to have a complex after reading my review and seeing me say, “Me no likey.”  Actually, it’s quite drinkable but not quite what I expect from a Syrah.

The Hob Nob Shiraz has a deep, inky purple appearance and creates massive legs in the glass.  Commenting on the legs of a wine is kind of a wine-noobie thing to do and I usually wouldn’t do so, but they were really massive and I couldn’t help but comment.

Aroma-wise, you’ll find a bouquet of blackberry jam, leather, plum, black olive and black pepper.  It smells great.  But the palate is a let down after the dynamic nose.  It’s rather flabby.  There is some acid to it, but you don’t notice it until the finish.  Flavor-wise the palate is mostly blackberry jam, cherry and chocolate.  There is some spice, but it is subtle.  Despite the massive legs in the glass, the viscosity is lacking.  I.E. the mouth feel is a little thin.

It’s an OK wine for $10, but I’ll continue my quest for something better.

Wine: Hob Nob
Variety: Shiraz
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 13%
Rating: 82
Price: $9.99