Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
A Wine for Tonight: 2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz
By Kori ~ September 29th, 2011.
Would you like a quick suggestion for a good wine to drink tonight (or this weekend) that won’t break your budget and is widely available? Many of our readers have said this is something they would like, so here is this week’s selection, the 2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz from the Barossa Valley in Australia.
Our selection criteria include:
- A very good Quality rating of >=3.5 stars (out of 5)
- A price tag of <=$15
- Must be widely available
Johann Gramp, a Bavarian immigrant, planted the first commercial vineyard in Australia’s Barossa Valley on the banks of Jacob’s Creek in 1847. In the early 1900’s, the company was registered as G. Gramp & Sons and the Orlando Wines trademark was established. In 1976, Orlando Wines officially launched the Jacob’s Creek brand. Bernard Hickin went to work for Orlando Wines that same year; he was promoted to Chief Winemaker in 2006.
Today, Jacob’s Creek is one of the world’s most popular wine brands. When we visited the Barossa Valley of Australia in 2005, we had the pleasure to visit the beautiful, modern Jacob’s Creek Wine Tasting Centre, located fittingly on the banks of Jacob’s Creek.
“Lifted notes of rich fruitcake and ripe plums, layered subtly with black pepper; stylish oak characters of ground cinnamon and sweet vanillin provide a supporting role.†–Jacob’s Creek
2008 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia): Deep, dark purple in color. Aromatic with plum, spice, and black pepper on the nose. Plum, black pepper, cinnamon, and nutmeg come through on the palate. Medium to full-bodied with lively acidity, medium to high tannins, and a long finish.
Quality: 3.5 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $12.99; Available elsewhere, $10 to $13
Filed under: A Wine for Tonight, Australian Wine, Five-Bangs For Your Buck Wines, Red Wine, Shiraz/Syrah, Wines Under $15, Wines Under $20, Wines Under $25
