Tellurian 2017 "Tranter" Shiraz

The Tellurian 2017 "Tranter" Shiraz is a premium, estate-grown red wine crafted from 100% Shiraz (Syrah). Produced by Tellurian Wines from their flagship Block 3 vineyard in the Heathcote region of Victoria, Australia, this wine derives its distinct character from ancient, 500-million-year-old Cambrian greenstone soils. The 2017 growing season benefited from a cooler spring and a gentle summer, resulting in a slower ripening period that allowed the fruit to build excellent depth. The wine was aged for 18 months in primarily large-format French oak barrels to seamlessly integrate its structured tannins while preserving its vibrant varietal purity.

In the glass, the wine shows a dense, inky black color with a deep dark-red rim. The bouquet is highly perfumed and expressive, offering an alluring aromatic profile of blackberry jam, dark plum, and red and blue fruits intermingled with dried potpourri, violets, and a distinct graphite or ironstone edge. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied Shiraz beautifully balances power and elegance. Rich flavors of juicy blackberry, black cherry, and licorice are met with hints of savory pan juices, cola, and fine white pepper spices. It displays a silky yet muscular structure—frequently described as an "iron fist in a velvet glove"—where sandy, fine-grained tannins and a vibrant, mouthwatering acidity lead into a long, mineral-driven finish.

The bold structure, rich fruit profile, and peppery undertones of this Heathcote Shiraz make it an exceptional partner for hearty, savory dishes. It pairs seamlessly with anything featuring a smoky or charred element, such as grilled lamb chops, slow-cooked barbecue beef ribs, or a pan-seared venison loin. The wine's underlying freshness and fine tannins cut through rich fats beautifully, making it an excellent match for a classic beef carpaccio, a charcuterie board with pork rillettes, or prime cuts of steak. For a simpler pairing, it stands up wonderfully to rich, mature hard cheeses or wild mushroom risotto enhanced with earthy herbs.

Critical Acclaim

93 Points from Wine Enthusiast

International publication Wine Enthusiast rated the bottle at 93/100, with critic Christina Pickard highlighting its beautiful harmony of power and elegance. She lauded its heady, potpourri-like bouquet of florals, dried herbs, and spices, as well as its highly appealing texture driven by sandy tannins and a distinctive graphite nuance.