Silent Noise SGZ Shiraz Grenache Zinfandel 2022

Silent Noise "SGZ" Shiraz Grenache Zinfandel, McLaren Vale, Australia, 2022

Grape: A blend of 40% Shiraz, 20% Grenache and 40% Zinfandel, practising organic, low sulphites, handpicked, unoaked

Producer Tasting Note:

This wine has definite purple vibes. From blackcurrants, preserved cherries, plums and dark red roses together with seductive notes of milk chocolate. The palate is blueberries, blackberries with the distinctive flavour of juniper sliding in. Milk chocolate and a gloss of T2 Rose Tea appear and the wine finishes with subtle silky fine delicate tannins.

The grapes for SGZ come from 3 different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Shiraz is grown on the farm next door to Kangarilla Road, Grenache is grown at the MR Riggs winery and Zinfandel comes from the Kangarilla Road Winery, which is run by Charlie's father. The Zinfandel vineyard is the second oldest in Australia. Vintage 2022 had superb ripening conditions from fruit set and flowering through veraison and ripening. The resultant wines have an ideal balance of sugar ripeness, natural acidity and texture.

Critic's Tasting Note:

"Yet another sassy, effusively energetic and nicely poised wine for everyday drinking from this producer. The zinfandel component adds orange-zest sourness to oodles of red fruit and spices, creating lift and savoriness. Very good drinking. Drink now. Screw cap."

92/100 points, James Suckling, February 2024

Winemaker:

"I’m Charlie O’Brien, the 'Noisemaker' behind Silent Noise. I grew up at Kangarilla Road Winery, surrounded by the chaos of vintage—tractors, trucks, and barrels—which sparked my love for winemaking. The name Silent Noise reflects this contrast: the buzz of the vineyard and the quiet anticipation of a bottled wine waiting to burst to life on the nose and palate. From topping barrels at age three to working with producers like Gemtree, Yangarra, and even Château Haut-Bailly in Bordeaux, my journey’s been hands-on and heartfelt. I believe great wine starts in the vineyard—with respect, care, and exceptional fruit."

Food Match: Cured meats like salami or prosciutto, pork ribs, duck confit with a cherry reduction, aubergine parmigiano