Australian & New Zealand Reds
- Two Hands, "Bella's Garden", Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2003 $95.00
- Powerful. Densely packed and oozing rich cherry, blackberry, licorice, pepper and exotic spice flavors, showing gorgeous balance and even elegance as the flavors persist in a lovely chorus.
- Marquis Philips, "9", Shiraz, South Eastern, Australia, 2004 $65.00
- The rich, full-bodied, opulent Shiraz 9 boasts abundant amounts of concentrated blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with smoke, camphor, and tar notes. It is a powerful Shiraz, so those looking for restraint and delicate European-styled reds should steer clear of this monster.
- Virgin Hills, Hunter Valley, Australia, 1999 $50.00
- Strong berry, cassis, some mint and leaves, balanced with bottle aged savory and roast coffee flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon (85%), Shiraz (3.5%), Merlot (8%) and Malbec (3.5%)
- Langmeil, "Valley Floor", Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2003 $42.00
- Medium ruby. Fresh, fruity aromas of cassis and dark plum, along with good lashing of vanillin oak and suggestions of dried lavendar and magnolia blossom. Sweet and round in the mouth, with juicy flavors of sweet dark berries, cappuccino and subtle, bourbony oak spice. An uncomplicated but rich and delicious wine, finishing with rather gentile, sweet tannins. (ST)
- Sheep's Back, Shiraz, Barossa, Australia, 2002 $40.00
- A bouquet of lifted cherries, blackcurrant and cloves leads to an intense lush palate of meaty dark berries, spicy plums, dark chocolate and a backbone of cracked black pepper. The French oak gives it a long textured finish of firm chewy, but still elegant tannins.
- Marquis Philips, Cabernet Sauvignon, South Eastern, Australia, 2005 $39.00
- Offers tell-tale aromas and flavors of black currants, high class cigar smoke, and herbs. Medium to full-bodied with dense, layered fruit flavors, an attractive suppleness, and an easy-going style with admirable depth.
- Jim Barry, "Lodge Hill", Shiraz, Clare Valley, Australia, 2004 $29.00
- Lithe and appealing for its pretty blackberry and floral aromas and flavors, lingering well against juicy acidity.
- Rosemount, Shiraz, South Eastern, Australia, 2004 $24.00
- It delivers crushed berry and spicy anise aromatics, richness, and a tasty medium-length finish.
