2006JourneysEndVineyardsArrivalShiraz

Sans This is the high point of Ben Riggs’ Journeys End Shiraz Collection, differentiated by the use of only the best barrels, longer barrel maturation times and fruit from lower cropping vines. The label is of particular interest in that it celebrates a turning point in Australia’s early wine history. James Busby left Australia for a European tour in 1831 and is generally considered to be the first to return with Shiraz vines. The variety has since become a signature of Australian Wine’s international success, thanks to the unwitting co-operation of the French. If they’d known that their wisdom, knowledge (as well as their Shiraz cuttings) were being placed at the feet of ‘Barbarians’, perhaps the French wouldn’t have been so obliging. A remarkable twist of fate!