Shoofly Shiraz

Shoofly Shiraz is a 750ml, 14.5% ABV South Australian Shiraz blending fruit from some of the state's most respected growing regions. Scored 88 points by Wine Enthusiast for its 2021 vintage, this multi-region red delivers concentrated dark fruit and savory spice at an accessible price tier.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: South Australia, Australia  |  Style: Multi-Regional Shiraz  |  Producer: Shoofly Wines (Winemaker: Ben Riggs)

Production & Heritage

Shoofly Wines is the project of acclaimed Australian winemaker Ben Riggs, known for maintaining one of the most sought-after grape grower contact lists in the country. Rather than drawing from a single estate, this is expressly a "growers' wine" — sourcing Shiraz from a collection of top vineyards across McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, and the greater Adelaide region. Riggs' guiding philosophy is unambiguous: "No flabby wines, no raisins, and leave the oak for the trees." The result is a Shiraz built on fruit purity and structural integrity, not on heavy-handed oak or overripe extraction.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Cherry and plum fruit cake lead the nose, layered over a savory underbelly of dried herbs, graphite, and gentle spice. There is a sense of depth without heaviness, with dark berry aromas emerging as the wine opens.

Taste: The palate arrives juicy and concentrated, with black and red berry fruit dominating entry through mid-palate. Plum and earthy mint develop toward the peak, supported by fine, spicy tannins that provide grip without astringency. The overall impression is bold and generous but well-structured.

Finish: Medium-to-long, with lingering dark berry and a subtle graphite minerality. The tannins hold their shape through the close, leaving a clean, savory impression rather than residual sweetness.

How to Drink Shoofly Shiraz

This Shiraz shows its best character at cellar temperature, around 16–18°C (60–65°F), served in a large-bowled glass that lets the savory aromatics open fully. It works well neat and benefits from 15–20 minutes of air after opening. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, Shoofly Shiraz brings enough fruit intensity and tannic backbone to stand up in mixed preparations: a Kalimotxo (red wine and cola) where its bold dark fruit cuts through the sweetness; a Red Wine Sangria built with fresh stone fruit and citrus, complementing the plum and berry core; or a classic Mulled Wine during cooler months, where the baking spice and earthy mint notes amplify warm spices like cinnamon and clove.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners featuring grilled red meat or slow-cooked stews
• Introducing friends to the range of South Australian Shiraz styles
• Building a case of reliable, food-friendly reds under the value tier
• Barbecue gatherings where a bold, crowd-pleasing red is needed

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Shoofly Shiraz taste like? Shoofly Shiraz delivers concentrated black and red berry fruit with plum, earthy mint, and savory spice, supported by fine, grippy tannins. It is bold and full-bodied but avoids the heavy, over-oaked character common in the category.

How does Shoofly Shiraz compare to Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz? Both are multi-regional South Australian Shiraz blends positioned in the value tier, but they reflect different winemaking philosophies. Shoofly leans toward fruit purity and minimal oak influence under Ben Riggs' direction, while Koonunga Hill tends toward a more polished, oak-integrated house style consistent with Penfolds' broader range.

Is Shoofly Shiraz good for everyday sipping? Yes — its combination of bold fruit, balanced tannins, and approachable structure makes it a strong choice for casual drinking with or without food. The 14.5% ABV provides warmth and body without being overwhelming.

Where is Shoofly Shiraz made? Shoofly Shiraz is produced in South Australia by winemaker Ben Riggs, who sources fruit from vineyards across McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Padthaway, and the Adelaide region. This multi-region approach allows Riggs to blend for complexity and consistency across vintages.

What foods pair well with Shoofly Shiraz? Grilled lamb chops work exceptionally well, as the savory herbs in the wine mirror classic lamb seasonings. Slow-smoked beef brisket matches the bold berry fruit and tannic structure. Aged cheddar or Gouda cheeses complement the plum and spice notes. Mushroom risotto echoes the earthy, graphite-driven undertones. Spiced sausages or merguez align with the wine's peppery tannin finish.

What sizes does Shoofly Shiraz come in? Shoofly Shiraz is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Shoofly Shiraz worth the price? Shoofly Shiraz positions as a value-tier South Australian Shiraz that consistently over-delivers for its category. With an 88-point score from Wine Enthusiast and silver medals at both the Decanter World Wine Awards and Melbourne International Beverage Competition across various vintages, it offers verified quality well above its price bracket.

Why Shoofly Shiraz?

What separates this wine from the crowded field of affordable Australian Shiraz is the sourcing network behind it. Ben Riggs' deep relationships with growers across four distinct South Australian regions allow him to select parcels that most winemakers at this price point simply cannot access. His minimal-intervention approach to oak means the glass reflects vineyard character rather than barrel flavor — a rare commitment at the value tier. Multiple competition medals and consistent critical scores in the high 80s confirm that the philosophy translates into the bottle, making Shoofly one of the more dependable South Australian Shiraz options available.