Margaret River Shiraz with a northern Rhône influence from a small Viognier component.

The Pierro Fire Gully Shiraz 2023 is a vibrant Margaret River red produced from mature, low-yielding vines grown in the gravelly loam soils of Willyabrup. Fire Gully was acquired by Dr Michael Peterkin of Pierro in 1998 and is managed with the same hands-on viticultural approach associated with the Pierro estate. The Shiraz comes from mature vineyard blocks, including plantings dating to the 1990s, giving the wine both concentration and regional character. A small amount of Viognier is incorporated with the Shiraz, following the traditional northern Rhône practice of using the aromatic white variety to enhance perfume and texture. The result is a medium-bodied expression that combines generous dark fruit with spice, florals and the savoury character associated with Margaret River Shiraz.

The Shiraz and Viognier are co-fermented to achieve close integration between the varieties, with both open and closed fermenters used during vinification. Whole bunches are avoided in order to minimise stalky characters, while mature oak is used to support the fruit rather than dominate it. The 2023 shows violets, plum, black cherry, blackberry and subtle peppery spice on the nose. Its palate is soft and supple, with juicy dark fruit, fine tannins and an aromatic spicy lift from the small Viognier component. Pepper, liquorice and savoury spice carry through the finish, giving the wine freshness and persistence without excessive weight.

Tasting Notes
NOSE
– Floral, dark-fruited and spicy
Violets, satsuma plum, black cherry and blackberry with clove, five-spice, subtle black pepper and lifted aromatic spice.

PALATE
– Juicy, supple and finely structured
Generous plum and dark berry fruit with lively spice, fresh acidity, fine tannins and a smooth, medium-bodied texture.

FINISH
– Persistent, savoury and peppery
Juicy dark fruit carries through to a lingering finish marked by black pepper, liquorice, spice and fine tannins.

Reviews & Accolades
“So much to like about this appealing medium-bodied bodied juicy flavoursome shiraz. The vines are now 20 years old, and they are certainly pumping some quality fruit, and in this case, a smidgen of viognier was added, which has given that aromatic spicy lift while probably contributing to the tannin influence, which, while understated, is still essentially important. It's bright with lots of lively plummy spicy fruit characters on the palate and a juicy succulence that carries through to the finish. Nice attractive wine with that peppery licorice lick on the finish, adding the final touch.” — Ray Jordan, Ray Jordan Wine, 93 Points

Finer Details:
Brand - Pierro
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Shiraz
Grape Blend / Cépage - Shiraz, Viognier
Country - Australia
State - Western Australia
Region - Margaret River
Vintage - 2023
ABV - 15%
Size - 750ml