Vintages Release: TBD 2019
88
Fox in the Hen House Shiraz 2015
Barossa Valley $19.95 14.9% alcohol
Expect aromas of blackberry, purple plum, dry savoury herb and a gamy note in this medium-full bodied red with well-integrated alcohol. It glides creamy smooth on the palate with blackberry and tangy raspberry flavours warming-up slightly on the mid palate and developing notions of eucalyptus and black pepper in the dry finish and aftertaste. This is a good match with grilled mixed sausages. Aerate/decant an hour or two before serving. (Louise Boutin)
87
Fox in the Hen House Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Barossa Valley $19.95 14.5% alcohol
An hour of aeration/decant will help this to open-up and reveal aromas of dark fruit, tobacco, pencil shaving and green bell pepper. Quite focused on sour cherry flavours with soft tannin, it travels the palate with ease adding blackberry and green bell pepper notes on the dry enjoyable finish. It’s food friendly, pour this medium-bodied Barossa Valley cab with gourmet burgers. (Louise Boutin)
88
Fox in the Hen House ‘Fox Hunt’ 2014
South Australia $15.95 14.9% alcohol
This value-packed shiraz/cabernet sauvignon blend shows signs of evolution with a garnet rim and aromas of prune, licorice, leather and pepper made prominent by vigorous swirling. Cool on the tongue at first, it gently warms-up the palate offering flavours of prune, dark berry, cassis, cedar and peppery herb closing the dry savoury finale. Medium-full bodied with fine-grained tannin, this friendly priced red is a good choice paired with pork chops brushed with barbecue sauce. Aerate/decant one hour before service. (Louise Boutin)
88
Paringa Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
South Australia $15.95 13.5% alcohol
The price-quality balance here tips well in your favour. It’s an attractive, deep-ruby, garnet-rimmed, 100% cabernet sauvignon with an intriguing nose of dark cherry, blackberry, bell pepper, cigar box and even a hint of violet. This is medium-bodied with flavours of cassis, blackberry and green bell pepper framed in chewy tannin and a sour cherry note emerging in the dry savoury finish. Aerate/decant two hours and pair with a charcuterie board and a selection of aged, hard cheese. (Louise Boutin)
89
3-Rings Shiraz 2016
Barossa Valley $17.95 (15495) 14.9% alcohol
This value-packed shiraz offers a rich bouquet—blackberry, crushed raspberry, black tea, cinnamon and a hint of wet earth. A juicy wash of ripe blackberry, sour cherry, black plum flavours and a dry savoury herb note blanket the palate. It’s medium-full bodied with excellent alcohol integration and very fine-grained tannins melding with a chalky mineral note on the dry tangy, fruity finish. Pour with slow-cooked stew or juicy, rare-grilled red meat. (Louise Boutin)
90 
Paringa Shiraz 2016
South Australia $15.95 (632083) 14.9% alcohol
A rich ruby color and an expressive nose—dry cherry, prune, leather, cedar and cough syrup—introduce a cool stream of ripe dark cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate palate flavours with a lovely menthol note adding to the enjoyment. This dry, medium-full bodied Aussie red is light on the palate, has polished tannins and a medium-long dry fruity finish with a delicious savoury aftertaste. Aerate/decant two hours and pour alongside blue-veined cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon. (Louise Boutin)