Kaesler Old Vine Shiraz 2006
Wines like this need a category of their own. Monster Category.
View ArticleHenschke Tappa Pass Shiraz 2005
Henschke’s own vineyards are now run along biodynamic principles but this wine is made from bought in grapes, grown on 50-year-old vines in the Light Pass sub-region. The first release was from the...
View ArticleMcHenry Hohnen Rocky Road Zinfandel 2007
There’s a funny statement on this wine’s label: “For those who would like to see the wine develop further, we have opted for a cork closure. Medium term cellaring is recommended.” The funny thing (or...
View ArticleTapestry McLaren Vale The Vincent Shiraz 2005
I stuck my nose in this one and went – wow, that smells different (to the 2002, 2003 and 2004 versions). Turns out it’s matured in a mix of new French and American oak, though for the first time the...
View ArticleTwo Hands Barossa Valley Single Vineyard Coach House Block Shiraz 2006
I don’t subscribe to the view that monster reds won’t cellar – whether the wine is big or light, it’s the balance of oak and fruit and tannin and acid etc that counts. Many an unbalanced medium-bodied...
View ArticleSchubert Estate Roennfeldt Road Goose-yard Block Shiraz 2006
These wines are made big and rich though they rob themselves of interest due to their dried-out nature.
View ArticleWarrabilla Reserve Durif 2007
Tasted this Warrabilla Reserve Durif at a Rutherglen-run seminar on climate change. Didn’t get to note the alcohol level but it will no doubt be high (ed: added later). As is often the case though with...
View ArticleMildara “Rothwell” Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
This was going to be a review of the 2004 vintage, but you’ll just have to settle for the 2005 now. The 2004 looked a looked a little muted and stripped by cork taint (sealed with a Pro-Cork and not...
View ArticleLazy Ballerina Shiraz 2007
Lazy Ballerina shiraz hasn’t skipped a beat since it burst onto the scene with the 2004 vintage. It was almost a lark for owner/winemaker/viticulturist James Hook back then but it’s become far more...
View ArticleGrant Burge Filsell Old Vine Shiraz 2006
Matured in a mix of American and French oak for nearly two years. All of that oak is either new or one year old. The grapes are picked from vines nearing their 90th birthday.
View ArticleTar & Roses Shiraz 2007
Tar & Roses is the endeavour of ex Mitchelton legend Don Lewis and winemaking partner Narelle King. The brand was established in 2004 but they’ve never sent samples and I’ve never comes across any...
View ArticleBrini Sebastian Shiraz 2005
This is a liqueurous, almost old-fashioned style of McLaren Vale shiraz, though the fruit quality cannot be disputed. Definitely fits the ‘Big Red’ tag.
View ArticleNugan Estate Parish Vineyard Shiraz 2005
Well I’m late reviewing it, and it has probably gone by now, but here we go..
View ArticleRutherglen Estates Renaissance Zinfandel 2007
This is a blend of 90 percent zinfandel with 10 percent durif.
View ArticleKay Brothers Hillside Shiraz 2006
Now here’s a wine likely to polarise, but this vintage the Hillside has delivered a superior wine over the standard any way you cut it. Other vintages: 2005 2004 2003
View ArticleJ & J Vineyards Shiraz 2007
You sure can’t argue that you’ve been short-changed – there’s a lot here for (a tick) under $20.
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