Beelgara Shiraz – 2017

Founded in 1930, 5-Star winery Beelgara is helmed by winemaker Rod Hooper (a legend in the business, with at least 300 medal wins to his name). The perfect food pairing for this Aussie shiraz? It’s not filet mignon. It’s barbequed kangaroo steak. Aromas of paprika, leather, and cherry. Spice on the palate; fresh peppercorn complements a deep plum. Cellar 1-4 years.

‘Beelgara’ is an aboriginal word for ‘native companion.’ Founded in 1930, 5-Star winery Beelgara grows grapes on the flat, red-brown plains of Riverina, where humidity stays low then rises in late summer for stable ripening. Winemaker Rod Hooper is a legend in the business, with at least 300 medal wins to his name (his credits also include Penfolds, Australia’s most acclaimed winery).
Rather than industrial chemicals, Hooper opts for organic fertilizer made from compost. Instead of herbicides, Beelgara uses grazing sheep for weed control. Their perfect food pairing recommendation? It’s not filet mignon. It’s barbequed kangaroo steak. In glass, aromas of paprika, leather, and cherry weave around the nose. Spice takes over once on the palate, with fresh peppercorn complementing a deep plum. Cellar 1-4 years.