A Great Shiraz - Laneway from Margret River

Here is another hit from Australia. This one from the Margaret River, one of Australia's many prolific wine regions located on the far west coast near Perth.

I enjoy the winemaker Mark Lane's style in and outside the bottle. The label features Sydney artist Nick Bleasel.

Laneway is a blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Viognier to enhance aroma and add complexity. It is a delightful wine.

Sells for $16-20. Found this at Bertelli's in Clifton.

Margaret River is a town and river in the South West of Western Australia, located  277 kilometers (172 mi) south of Perth, the state capital.

The region is steeped in nature with beautiful vineyards and glorious coastline, including some of WA's best surf and beaches.

Laneway is produced at Swings & Roundabouts.

"Deep ruby. Ripe blackberry and blackcurrant on the nose, with hints of black pepper and licorice. Vibrant and juicy, the intense dark berry flavors showing well-judged sweetness and attractive mineral lift on the back end. I wish that more Australian shirazes had this sort of verve and drive to go with their more obvious sweet fruit qualities."--Stephen Tanzer

"This is our wine maker’s favorite wine. And when he finds himself buying a lot of a certain type of wine, he thinks “I’d better make some of this!” With our best Shiraz, a small amount of Viognier (4%) is co-fermented to emphasize the strong aroma and add complexity to the Shiraz palate weight. It’s the sidetrack you badly want on that same old, same old road you know. Peppercorn, cassis, blackberry, vanilla bean, lavender, leather, straw, and the first waft of smoke from a barbie." Winemaker
Growing Area: Margaret River

Accolades / Reviews
Date: 2005
Reviewer: Royal Adelaide Show
Result: Gold

Date: 2007
Reviewer: James Halliday
Australian Wine Companion 2007 edn
Result:
4 glasses, 90 points

It has been a mere 40 years since the first vines were planted in the Margaret River region., and already the area is recognized as one of the world's great fine wine producers. There are some 200 vineyards in the region and 90 wineries. There wares are showcased at the Margaret River Wine Festival each May.