Beechworth's Golden Ball is one of 'the' wineries of the region.   Several years ago, James Halliday rated their Chardonnay equal highest in Australia, alongside Giaconda and Leeuwin Estate Chardonnay.  But today we're talking about their Shiraz, and my word do we have a good price toda

This wine is 8 years old and is in a drinking "sweet spot" but will age further, but why drink later when this is ridiculously drinkable right now?   

I can tell you one thing, this is one serious Shiraz.   Some of Australia's top cool climate shiraz is produced in Beechworth - Castagna, Giaconda and Savaterre immediately come to mind, but you won't get change from $70 from those three.  

You normally need to go to Australia's best restaurants to Golden Ball wines, In the Halliday Companion, the winery review includes "The low yields result in intensely flavoured wines, which are found in Melbourne’s best restaurants and a handful of local Melbourne retailers."   Here's what he wrote about this 2014 shiraz:

"Great colour, clear and bright; combines richness and depth with elegance and balance; spicy plum cake aromas are repeated by the palate on entry, then cleansing acidity and brighter red fruits arrive on the finish and aftertaste." 95pts - James Halliday - Wine Companion