2001 Occam's Razor Shiraz

This is an interesting wine, made even more interesting by the personalities involved. Ron Laughton’s daughter Emily, has returned ‘home’ and has decided to be a winemaker in her own right. The grapes were sourced from a small unirrigated vineyard near Mia Mia via Keyneton, and as well as having Ron in the background, young Emily also had the assistance of former Mount Mary winemaker Mario Marson. With that kind of pedigree, one expects the results to be spectacular. The name Occam’s Razor is inspired from a quote by William Ockham (1285-1349), "what can be done with fewer is done in vain with more".

Very deep crimson colour, with purple crimson hue. The nose is relatively restrained, and yields aroma of ripe plum, spice and violets. The palate is very reminiscent of the Chapoutier style of Shiraz, lighter and more elegant than its Australian counterpart, with also finer drier tannin structure. There are subtle flavours of plum and spice with a touch of blackpepper emerging on the back palate. Well balanced, but it’s not a Heathcote red, neither is it a Jasper Hill nor a Mount Mary. It is a good start, but not a great start.
Cellar 3-4 years (2005-2006)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

RATING: 89/100

VALUE: XXX/5