Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz

Zonte's Footstep Lake Doctor Shiraz is a Langhorne Creek Shiraz-Viognier blend (95/5) bottled at 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 98 points by Winestate Magazine for its 2019 vintage, this wine draws its character from a unique cool-climate breeze known locally as the "Lake Doctor" — an Antarctic wind that sweeps off Lake Alexandrina each summer afternoon, tempering ripeness and preserving acidity in the fruit.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Langhorne Creek, South Australia  |  Varietal: 95% Shiraz, 5% Viognier  |  Winemaker: Ben Riggs

Production & Heritage

Zonte's Footstep is a Langhorne Creek estate whose vineyards sit on the shores of Lake Alexandrina, southeast of Adelaide. Winemaker Ben Riggs oversees the Lake Doctor Shiraz, which is fermented in a combination of stainless steel vats and open fermenters before spending 12 months maturing in new and used French hogsheads. The small addition of 5% Viognier — co-fermented in the Rhône tradition — stabilizes color, adds aromatic lift, and contributes a subtle thread of sweetness that rounds out the mid-palate. The wine's name honors the cooling "Lake Doctor" breeze that travels from the Great Southern Ocean directly from Antarctica, arriving each summer afternoon to lower vineyard temperatures, slow sugar accumulation, and allow the grapes to develop complexity without losing freshness.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe blackberry and fresh red cherry lead, followed by violet florals and mulling-spice nuances. A secondary layer reveals mocha, eucalyptus, and a faint vanilla sweetness from French oak aging.

Taste: The entry is generous with blueberry and blackberry fruit, immediately dense yet lifted by the Viognier's floral contribution. The mid-palate expands into five-spice complexity, juicy plum-pudding richness, and rosemary-tinged herbal notes. White pepper emerges toward the peak, giving the wine structure and savory definition beneath the fruit weight.

Finish: Medium to long, with fine-grained cedar tannins rolling smoothly across the palate. Lingering impressions of tea leaf, dark cocoa, and dried herbs provide a dry, satisfying conclusion.

How to Drink Lake Doctor Shiraz

This wine shows best at a slight cellar chill — around 16–18°C — poured into a large-bowled glass that allows its aromatics to open fully. Ten to fifteen minutes of breathing after opening rewards with greater complexity. While primarily a wine for the table, it also works in these preparations:

• Kalimotxo (red wine and cola): The dense fruit and soft tannins hold up against the sweetness, creating a surprisingly balanced casual serve.
• Red wine sangria: Blackberry and plum notes amplify stone fruit and citrus additions without losing structure.
• Mulled wine: The inherent mulling-spice and five-spice character means fewer added spices are needed, and the Viognier component adds natural aromatic depth.

Best For

• Introducing someone to premium Australian Shiraz from a lesser-known region
• Pairing with a weekend barbecue featuring slow-smoked brisket or lamb
• Gifting a wine lover who appreciates Rhône-style co-fermented blends
• Building a Langhorne Creek vertical collection for cellar aging

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Lake Doctor Shiraz taste like? It delivers rich blackberry and blueberry fruit with five-spice complexity, plum-pudding depth, and a smooth, lush texture built on fine cedar tannins. The 5% Viognier adds a subtle floral lift and a touch of sweetness that sets it apart from pure Shiraz bottlings.

How does Lake Doctor Shiraz compare to d'Arenberg The Dead Arm Shiraz? Both are Langhorne Creek Shiraz expressions, but The Dead Arm is a 100% Shiraz aged in American and French oak with a bolder, more tannic profile and typically higher price point. Lake Doctor's Viognier co-ferment produces a softer, more aromatic wine with finer tannins and a more immediately approachable character.

Is Lake Doctor Shiraz good for sipping on its own? Yes — the wine's balanced fruit density, moderate 14.5% ABV, and smooth tannin structure make it highly enjoyable as a standalone pour, especially with 10–15 minutes of air after opening.

Where is Lake Doctor Shiraz made? It is produced by Zonte's Footstep from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, South Australia, located on the shores of Lake Alexandrina southeast of Adelaide. The region is defined by its alluvial soils and the cooling Antarctic breeze known as the "Lake Doctor."

What foods pair well with Lake Doctor Shiraz? Slow-smoked lamb shoulder works particularly well, as the wine's spice and berry fruit complement smoky, rendered fat. Beef short ribs braised in red wine mirror the wine's richness. Hard aged cheeses like vintage cheddar contrast its fruit sweetness. Five-spice duck breast echoes the wine's own spice profile. Dark chocolate desserts with 70% cacao align with the mocha and cocoa notes on the finish.

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

Is Lake Doctor Shiraz worth the price? Lake Doctor Shiraz positions as a mid-range Australian red that punches well above its price tier — the 98-point Winestate score and Platinum Medal from the San Diego Wine & Spirits Competition reflect a level of quality often found in bottles costing significantly more.

Why Lake Doctor Shiraz?

The 98-point score from Winestate Magazine and a Platinum Medal at the San Diego Wine & Spirits Competition place this wine in rare company for its price bracket. The Langhorne Creek terroir — specifically the Antarctic "Lake Doctor" breeze — gives the fruit a freshness and aromatic precision that warmer-climate Shiraz struggles to achieve. Ben Riggs's decision to co-ferment with 5% Viognier and mature in French hogsheads for 12 months produces a wine that bridges the generosity of Australian Shiraz with the floral elegance of the Northern Rhône. For drinkers looking beyond the Barossa and McLaren Vale, this bottle is one of the most compelling arguments for Langhorne Creek's place in the conversation.