Ninety Plus Cellars Shiraz

Ninety Plus Cellars Shiraz is a full-bodied Australian red wine bottled at 14% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Produced through a modern négociant model that sources juice from highly rated Australian vineyards, this Shiraz channels the intensity and spice-driven character the country's warm-climate regions are known for, then delivers it at a price tier well below what the quality level typically demands.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14%  |  Origin: Australia  |  Varietal: Shiraz (Syrah)  |  Producer: 90+ Cellars

Production & Heritage

90+ Cellars operates as a contemporary négociant, partnering with established, high-scoring Australian wineries to bottle their excess production under the 90+ label. The brand's founding principle centers on wines rated 90 points or above by major publications such as Wine Spectator, making critical acclaim part of its sourcing criteria rather than an afterthought. For this Shiraz, ripe bunches are harvested during cool evening hours, then destemmed, crushed, and fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks. The cooler fermentation regime is deliberate — it minimizes harsh tannin extraction while preserving the grape's characteristic peppery aromatics, resulting in a wine that balances power with drinkability.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Inky purple in the glass, the nose opens with spicy blackberry and ripe red plum before giving way to a seductive smokiness. Subtle oak and a floral undercurrent of crushed violets emerge with a few minutes of air.

Taste: The entry is sumptuously round and juicy, with dark berry fruit dominating the front palate. Mid-palate, cassis and baking spice build richness, while the full-bodied structure carries weight without turning heavy. A gentle oak influence adds dimension without overshadowing the fruit.

Finish: Smooth and lingering, with peppery spice and dark fruit trailing off gradually. Soft, well-integrated tannins keep the close balanced and inviting.

How to Drink 90+ Cellars Shiraz

This Shiraz shows best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a large-bowled glass to let its smoky aromatics fully develop. It drinks well on its own but also stands up to bold cocktail and food applications.

• Classic Kalimotxo: The wine's dark fruit intensity and full body hold their own against cola, creating a surprisingly balanced, easy-drinking combination.
• Red Wine Sangria: Blackberry and plum notes pair naturally with sliced stone fruit and citrus, making it an ideal sangria base.
• Mulled Wine: The inherent spice profile — black pepper, baking spice — amplifies warm mulling spices like cinnamon, clove, and star anise.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners with grilled red meat or hearty stews
• Introducing someone to bold Australian Shiraz without a premium price commitment
• Building a mixed case of value-driven wines for entertaining
• Pairing alongside a backyard barbecue spread

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 90+ Cellars Shiraz taste like? It delivers a rich core of dark berry and blackberry fruit layered with baking spice, cassis, and a subtle smokiness, all supported by a full-bodied, round mouthfeel. The finish is smooth with lingering pepper and soft tannins.

How does 90+ Cellars Shiraz compare to Yellow Tail Shiraz? Both are approachable Australian Shiraz wines, but 90+ Cellars sources specifically from vineyards whose wines have earned 90-plus-point critical ratings, which generally translates to more complexity and depth. Yellow Tail tends toward a fruit-forward, lighter style, while this bottling leans into a fuller body with more pronounced spice and oak structure.

Is 90+ Cellars Shiraz good for sipping on its own? Yes — the smooth tannins, juicy dark fruit, and balanced oak make it a satisfying stand-alone pour, especially when served slightly below room temperature to keep the fruit fresh.

Where is 90+ Cellars Shiraz made? The wine is sourced from renowned vineyards across Australia's established Shiraz-growing regions and bottled under the 90+ Cellars label, which is headquartered in the United States and operates as a négociant brand.

What foods pair well with 90+ Cellars Shiraz? Grilled lamb chops benefit from the wine's peppery spice; slow-smoked brisket mirrors its smokiness; aged cheddar complements the dark fruit; mushroom risotto echoes its earthy undertones; and dark chocolate desserts align with the wine's cassis and berry richness.

What sizes does 90+ Cellars Shiraz come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is 90+ Cellars Shiraz worth the price? It positions as a value-tier wine that punches above its weight — the négociant sourcing model allows 90+ Cellars to deliver wine from critically recognized vineyards at a fraction of what those producers charge under their own labels, making it one of the stronger value propositions in Australian Shiraz.

Why 90+ Cellars Shiraz?

The négociant model is the key differentiator here. Rather than owning vineyards and absorbing those costs, 90+ Cellars identifies surplus production from wineries whose output has earned top critical marks, then bottles it independently. The result is a full-bodied Australian Shiraz with genuine complexity — smoky aromatics, layered dark fruit, integrated oak — at an entry-level price point. For drinkers who want the depth and richness associated with premium Australian Shiraz but aren't prepared to pay premium-tier prices, this bottle consistently delivers above expectations.