January 26, 2012
NYC Wine Tasting Group, Australia Day Celebration
2004 Two Hands Shiraz Lily's Garden (McLaren Vale)
Even better than the Harry & Edward’s Garden is the 2004 Shiraz Lily’s Garden from McLaren Vale. With this cuvee, about 25% new American oak is added to the regime of French wood. Full-bodied with stunning, dusty, loamy soil characteristics interwoven with blackberry, cassis, cherry, and plum-like fruit, this rich, pure, intense Shiraz should be consumed over the next 10-12+ years. Rated 95 The Wine Advocate
1998 Dalwhinnie Shiraz (Pyrenees, Victoria)
"Huge, densely packed and powerful wine within the acceptable end of the ripening spectrum, delivering intense brambly, meaty, almost prune-like plum and very spicy small berry and currant fruit. Thick, firm and savoury. Jeremy Oliver Rating 95
2002 Mitolo Shiraz G A M (McLaren Vale)
Produced from 26-year old vines and aged in French oak (80% new), the 2002 Shiraz G. A. M. reveals tremendous fruit purity, but it does not yet reveal secondary nuances. The inky blue/purple color is accompanied by aromas of ink, camphor, graphite, blackberries, and blueberries. While it possesses tremendous purity as well as an enormous full-bodied texture, it is neither heavy nor overbearing. This stunning Shiraz may be even better than the 2002 Savitar. Time will tell. Barrel samples of three 2002s revealed tremendous potential in what appears to be the finest efforts Mitolo has yet produced. There are 300-400 cases of each, and all three are scheduled to be bottled in October. Kudos to young importer (31 years old!) Ben Hammerschlag for unearthing these potential superstars. Rated 95-97 The Wine Advocate
2006 Spinifex Esprit (Barossa Valley)
Some development in colour; very lively, spicy and complex flavours which unite in a lingering savoury palate calling to the southern Rhone. Mataro/Grenache/Shiraz/Cinsaut." Rated 94 Points James Halliday
2006 Turkey Flat Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
"Twenty percent of the 2006 Shiraz was sourced from vines planted in 1847 and was aged in French oak, 15% new. It offers aromas of smoke, cedar, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. This leads to a voluptuous, full-flavored Shiraz with enough structure to evolve for 6-8 years. Ripe, sweet, and very lengthy, it should provide superb drinking through 2026." Rated 91-94 Points The Wine Advocate
2005 Glaymond Grenache (Barossa Valley)
The 2005 Grenache “Gerhard” is sourced from 46- to 50-year-old vines and was aged for 19 months in French oak, 25% new. It delivers scents of garrigue, sage, leather, lavender, black cherry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied, sweet and layered on the palate, the wine has tons of savory fruit, a smooth texture, excellent depth and length, and a long, pure finish. It has enough stuffing to develop for 4-6 years in the cellar, but can be enjoyed now. Congratulation to young Mr. Tscharke for an impressive collection of wines! Rated 93 The Wine Advocate