2006 The Bobby Dazzler Shiraz

Wine is nature's most complex beverage and delivers more flavour than any other drink known to mankind, yet this is not enough to entice many away from one dimensional, sugar-filled drinks like R.T.D.'s (Ready To Drinks) and other pre mixed concoctions. Thankfully, the Australian Wine Industry has repeatedly risen to the challenge. Significant innovations began in 1956 with the release of Orlando's 'Barossa Pearl' Sparkling Wine, marketed to a predominately beer drinking public. What very soon became apparent was that many people who had never thought of themselves as wine drinkers, let alone sparkling wine drinkers for that matter, were ready for Barossa Pearl and its subsequent cousins, 'Sparkling Star Wine', 'Cold Duck' and 'Blue Raphsody'. Barossa Pearl, (now a forgotten Australian legend), first sold in the millions and then in the tens of millions until finally being superseded by changes in public tastes that the product itself had generated. The great legacy of Barossa Pearl to the Australian wine industry, was that it introduced a hitherto untapped mass market to the pleasures of civilised wine drinking, at the same time cultivating a new wine and food culture. The tradition of innovation was continued into the 1980's by winemakers like Stephen Hickinbotham. His new red wine of broad appeal called 'Cab Mac' was fresh and Beaujolais like, being made by allowing whole berries to macerate prior to fermentation in a process known as 'maceration carbonique'.

Today, McLaren Vale based winemaker, Ben Riggs has responded with a contemporary red wine that is serious enough to satisfy the expectations of a mature market place. The packaging is nonintimidating, with a quirky edge that takes the stiffness out of conventional wine labels. Its comic strip inspiration reflects the 'good ol' fashioned fun' of the 1950's: On one side, Jane, a gorgeous red head with a hibiscus in her hair, longs for the attention of the gallant air force Captain. Turning the bottle, the Captain declares he's just spotted 'a genuine Bobby Dazzler' (Aussie slang for a 'real beauty'). Unfortunately, he and his mates have their minds on other things - namely a new Shiraz they’re now tasting and Jane is left with no alternative but to join the party! More importantly, the charisma of the label actually extends to what's inside the bottle. The Bobby Dazzler Shiraz is characterised by Ben Riggs' now trademark, exuberant, 'joosy', full flavoured style and offers velvet smooth tannins and a complexity of aroma and flavour unexpected at this price point. While not specifically created to target a particular market demographic, the wine (and the label) will no doubt appeal to the young or the young at heart and will not be easily forgotten. The Bobby Dazzler Shiraz is a 'serious' riot of colour and fun, and a red to stock up on, given the shortages of the 2007 vintage and likely shortage of 2008.

Very deep almost opaque black purple colour with black purple hue. Lifted nose of spice, dried apricot and liquorice notes showing good varietal character. The palate has excellent weight with mouthfilling very spicy flavours of black pepper, blackberry and apricot. Fine tannins. Aftertaste of liquorice, black pepper and blackberry. Fantastic value for money and superb everyday drinking.
Cellar 3 - 4 years (2011 - 2012)
Alc/Vol: 15%

Other Reviews…
The label breaks new ground for Australian wine – it’s a hoot, and while the wine itself is warming and generous by nature. Plenty of ripe berry fruit, a silky, supple texture and a satisfying effect. More than just a novelty, a most enjoyable and versatile dry red made by the prolific Mr Ben Riggs, as he likes to be known.
4.5 out of 5
Paddy Kendler – Herald Sun