Tournon “Mathilda” Shiraz 2017
A mature, Rhône-influenced Shiraz with black fruit, pepper, and savoury complexity. Elegant by Australian standards, with development adding nuance.
The Tournon “Mathilda” Shiraz 2017 is the embodiment of Rhône tradition meeting Australian terroir. Crafted by Michel Chapoutier, one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected winemakers, this wine represents his vision of showcasing the unique character of Victoria’s vineyards while applying the same precision and respect for terroir that has defined his family’s estate for generations. Named after Michel’s daughter Mathilde, the wine pays tribute to heritage, family, and place.
The vineyards of Victoria’s Pyrenees and Heathcote regions provide the foundation for this Shiraz. Ancient soils and a cooler climate create wines that are bright, expressive, and elegant, with a natural freshness distinct from the fuller-bodied Shiraz styles of warmer South Australian regions. The 2017 vintage captures this perfectly: vibrant fruit framed by Chapoutier’s trademark balance and finesse.
In the glass, it opens with aromas of raspberry, blackberry, and plum, lifted by floral violet and underscored by black pepper and savoury spice. On the palate, juicy red and black fruits mingle with pepper, liquorice, and earthy notes, carried by lively acidity and wrapped in fine, silky tannins. Medium-bodied and polished, it offers both immediate drinkability and the potential to develop further savoury nuance over the next 3–7 years.
Australia
Victoria
Shiraz
750ml
14%
2017Tournon “Mathilda” Shiraz 2017 reflects the influence of Michel Chapoutier’s Rhône background, and that is important because it frames the style away from simple Australian opulence and toward something more peppery, savoury, and Syrah-like. With bottle age now in play, the wine has moved beyond straightforward fruit and into a more nuanced, developed phase.
That maturity adds appeal. Rather than relying purely on plushness, the wine now shows black fruit joined by spice, dried herbs, and a more earthy, savoury edge. It feels less glossy than younger commercial Shiraz and more composed, making it especially interesting for customers who enjoy Rhône-style reds but want an Australian interpretation.
A dry, medium-bodied red with softened tannins, peppery savoury detail, and more development than youthful fruit-bomb styles. It is balanced, gently mature, and food-oriented.
In simple terms: an elegant mature Shiraz — less plush than many Australian examples, more about spice, savoury depth, and poise.
- Appearance: Garnet-ruby with maturity at the rim.
- Nose: Blackberry, dried plum, pepper, leather, and herbs.
- Palate: Mature black fruit with savoury spice and earthy complexity.
- Texture: Medium-bodied with softened tannins.
- Finish: Dry, peppery, and gently developed.
- Overall Impression: A mature Australian Shiraz with clear Rhône influence and excellent food-friendly character.
- Roast Lamb – A very strong match for savoury mature Shiraz.
- Beef Stew – Excellent with slow-cooked, earthy dishes.
- Duck – A nice pairing because the wine is not overly heavy.
- Mushroom Dishes – Works beautifully with the wine’s developed savoury tones.
- Hard Cheeses – Good with mature cheeses that can handle the spice.
- Serve at 16–18°C.
- A short decant of 20 minutes is useful.
- Use a large red wine glass.
- Drink now and over the next 3–4 years.
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