Winemaker Notes
"The vines for the 2005 Shiraz "Little Ox" were planted in 1999, grown from cuttings taken from the original vines planted in 1891. The wine is opaque purple/black with glass-coating glycerin. The impressive nose consists of brooding black cherry and blueberry aromas with notes of spice box, game, chocolate and espresso. This leads to a remarkably layered, full-bodied wine with spicy dark fruit flavors, superb balance, well- concealed tannin, and a 45+ second finish. This spectacular value will improve with 3-5 years of additional cellaring and drink well through 2020. Talk about over-delivering! Serious Shiraz lovers might feel embarrassed to cellar a $17 wine but it is unlikely that this wine will ever be this inexpensive again. Take advantage." 93 Points
-Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.