Pepperjack Shiraz 2021 from Barossa, Australia is a robust offering that is reflected in its strong 14.5% ABV. Pepperjack, since its inception in 1998 with Barossa Shiraz, has evolved, originally catering to an exclusive clientele in bars and restaurants before broadening its reach and acclaim.
The 2020 vintage received favourable reviews, with James Button of Decanter highlighting its ripe blackcurrant notes and balsamic freshness, leading to a peppery, plummy finish. This new vintage has gone down well, securing a 3.9 rating on Vivino and earning a spot among Vivino’s top 24 South Australian Shiraz wines in the United Kingdom.
I found the wine to have deep purple hues. The aroma is striking, dominated by blackcurrant richness. On drinking, the balanced tannins ensure the flavour profile does not become overpowering. This wine exhibits a duality in its palate experience. It is inherently dry, yet the fruit-forward nature imparts a perception of medium sweetness. The aftertaste brings hints of pepper and spice, adding an extra layer of complexity. One thing I should say is that it’s very alcoholic and felt much more potent than the 14.5% ABV. It enjoyed it more and more over the few days I drank it, suggesting it might benefit from being decanted.
Priced at £10.50 at Asda, with a 25% discount that brought it down to £7.87, this wine represents excellent value.
