Winemaker Notes
The 2006 Shiraz (75%) – Grenache (25%) was aged for 12 months in French oak. The Shiraz portion was sourced from importer Ben Hammerschlag's high altitude McLaren Vale vineyard. Purple-colored, it offers complex aromas of Asian spices, vanilla, pepper, blueberry, and black cherry. Full-bodied with sweet fruit and ripe flavors, the wine has enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. The finish is long and pure. Drink it through 2020. - Wine Advocate
Inky red. Impressively complex aromas of black raspberry, licorice, black cardamom and fresh violet. Deep and fleshy, with sweet red and dark berry flavors, a youthfully chewy texture and a late jolt of anise. Gains power with air, finishing with excellent clarity and length. - International Wine Cellar
Professional Ratings
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
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.