Babylonstoren Babylonstoren Shiraz Review

The other imbibers didn’t think it tasted like Shiraz, at least compared to what they’re familiar with. It was definitely less juicy than California Central Coast Syrah and more fruit forward than Washington, but less smokey/meaty/spicy than Rhône.

Wine review by: Jessyca Frederick

Babylonstoren Shiraz
Babylonstoren Shiraz: front of bottle with wine in glass

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About this Wine

Wine: 2019 Babylonstoren Shiraz
Blend: 100% Shiraz (also called Syrah and Durif)
Region: Simonsberg-Paarl, South Africa
Retail price: $26
I consumed it: April 2022
My source: The Decanter Magazine Wine Club by Wine Access

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From this wine club: The Decanter Magazine Wine Club by Wine Access

From this winery: Babylonstoren

Region: South Africa

Wine color/style: Red wine

Grape variety or blend: Syrah

Tasting notes: Black fruit, Brambly, Raspberry, Vanilla, Smooth tannin

Babylonstoren Shiraz: What I think

A well balanced wine, this was a rich, deep, beautiful fruit-forward Shiraz — an excellent sipping wine. Brambly black fruit was dominant, with some subtle raspberry fruit in the background. A long slightly vanilla finish was supported by fine-grain tannins. It probably would have been even better in 2-3 more years.

The other imbibers didn’t think it tasted like Shiraz, at least compared to what they’re familiar with. It was definitely less juicy than California Central Coast Syrah and more fruit forward than Washington, but less smokey/meaty/spicy than Rhône.

Last updated: June 26, 2023

Notice: I hold no formal wine credentials. I am a wine geek who has consumed 1000+ of bottles from 100+ different wine clubs and 1000s more bottles that didn’t come from those wine clubs. I do not accept payment for wine reviews, and I do not accept payments to influence my opinions. I happily accept free wine (and I buy wine).

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