Similar to merlot, shiraz provides a lot of value in a crowd pleasing, easy to find, and familiar package.  Warmer climates, like California and Australia, tend to produce full bodied wines with deep flavors including blackberries, blueberries, smoke, spice, and vanilla. While good values can be had in California and Washington, some of the best values come from Australia.  While  those from the Barossa command serious value, South Eastern Australia tends to make great quality at or around $10.  Joining these ranks is Paringa Shiraz 2013, but does it deliver value for the holidays?

Sight:  A firm purple core with brickish red elements tinting throughout, straight to the edge.  A hot pink rims the glass.

Smell: A slightly spicy element is present with a little bit of smoke.  The smoke gets stronger, but black cherry, blueberry, and raspberry all join in, moving toward overripe and jammy fruit.  The fruit is plump and refreshing, complimented by the refreshing cigar and smoke smells.

Sip:  Bright on the start with a medium-heavy body, and a completely dry palate.   There are flavors of raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and currant that all come forward, and are then joined with smoke.  The brightness never really eases up, and the oak leans more smokey-tobacco orientated than spicy.

Savor:  There’s a great compliment of boysenberry jumping in on the finish with some tea and toasted oak.  The tannins are soft, and the brightness leaves the finish a touch pointed.

Paringa Shiraz is very pleasant and enjoyable.  As shiraz goes, there’s a good amount of depth here for a $10 bottle, combining decent oaking influence with good fruit and controlled tannins.  The balance waxes and wanes between the elements, and the incomplete composure keeps Paringa Shiraz from truly excelling to the next level.  That being said, for the price, Paringa Shiraz is definitely worth a try for a roast meats or a holiday celebration.

Verdict:  Smoke, Raspberry, Blueberry, Cigar
Price: $9.99
South Australia