Pepper Tree Wines Cool Climate Shiraz 2020

Winemaking and Drinking

There’s something magnetic about a Shiraz that knows how to keep its cool. The Pepper Tree Cool Climate Shiraz doesn’t shout its virtues from the rooftops—it simply opens its bottle, fills the glass with perfume and spice, and lets you discover its secrets one sip at a time.

At first glance, the wine glows deep crimson with violet edges already hinting at vibrancy over volume. The nose is alive with florals, cracked pepper, and wild red berries, the sort of aromatics that make you pause before even taking that first taste. Then comes the palate, bright, lifted, and beautifully poised. Juicy raspberry and cherry notes mingle with gentle spice and a trace of savoury earth.

Tasting

Unlike its bold, sun soaked cousins from warmer regions, this Shiraz doesn’t drown in jam or oak. It’s elegant, with a clear line of acidity that keeps it dancing rather than dragging. The tannins are ripe but silky, leaving a finish that lingers just long enough to make you want another sip.

Serve it slightly cool around cellar temperature and you’ll notice how the fruit sings and the spice hums in the background. It’s the kind of red that can turn a mid week meal into something quietly special.

From the Vine to the Glass

The secret behind its personality lies in its birthplace. The fruit is drawn from vineyards that experience brisk nights and mild days—conditions that coax out aromatic finesse and balance rather than sheer ripeness. Skilled hands in the winery handle the fruit gently, allowing natural acidity and varietal character to shine. Oak is used with restraint, seasoning rather than dominating, adding subtle texture and spice.

The winemaking approach here is all about expression. Each small decision—from harvest timing to fermentation temperature—leans toward preserving the liveliness that defines cool-climate Shiraz. The result is a wine that captures both place and personality in equal measure.

Accolades and Acclaim

Pepper Tree Wines has long been admired for crafting reds that combine poise with depth, and this Shiraz continues that tradition. It’s earned attention among wine lovers for its balance and refinement—a Shiraz that confidently walks the line between vibrant fruit and savoury complexity. Year after year, it quietly builds its reputation as one of the more graceful expressions of the variety.

A Wine with Personality

If you could describe it in one phrase, it might be “refined rebellion.” It has all the intensity and character you expect from Shiraz but refuses to play by the rules of excess. Instead, it brings spice, energy, and a sense of place that’s unmistakably cool-climate.

Pair it with rosemary-rubbed lamb, charred vegetables, or even a peppered mushroom risotto—and it shines. Drink it young for its freshness, or tuck it away for a few years to watch it gain even more depth and confidence.

In short: Pepper Tree’s Cool Climate Shiraz is a masterclass in balance—vibrant, peppery, and effortlessly elegant. It’s proof that sometimes, keeping your cool is the most impressive thing you can do.