Vintages Release: November 13, 2010
Barossa Valley Estate ‘Ebenezer’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia $39.95 (039537) 14.0% alcohol
Rich, robust and rarin’ to go, this hustles from the glass with forward aromas of spice cake, tar, fennel and black currant. Succulent flavours abound with dark juicy cherry, cassis, mocha and spice-infused black berry to the fore. It’s deftly balanced, mid weight and fully textured with a lingering dry finish of bittersweet chocolate, berry fruit and a firm tannin structure. Aerate/decant three hours and pour with marinated rare-grilled flank steak. Optimum drinking window is now to 2014. This is another tour de force by winemaker extraordinaire, Stuart Bourne. (Vic Harradine)
Shingleback ‘D-Block Reserve’ Shiraz 2005
McLaren Vale, South Australia $54.95 (672965) 14.5% alcohol
Shiraz-lovers be warned—this complex, hand-picked, single-vineyard gem will be in extremely short supply at select stores as an ‘In Store Discovery’ product; arrive very early and pick one up. Stunning aromas and flavours coat the palate and senses—succulent mulberry, cassis, chocolate and spice-laden black berry fruit. Medium-full bodied and generously textured, it has supple tannin for carpentry, moderating acidity for balance and a sexy, lingering afterglow. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: November 27, 2010
Barossa Valley Estate ‘Ebenezer’ Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia $39.95 (971705) 14.5% alcohol
This wine missed the final cut for the $100 a bottle E&E Black Pepper Shiraz by a hair—you do the math. Overflowing with exotic spice, black pepper and licorice aromas, the delectable flavours—bramble berry, black juicy cherry and spice-infused mulberry—are delivered with incredible balance and a generous texture. There’s a long finish of fruit and savoury herb wrapped in firm tannin. You could drink this now after a two-hour decant, but to do it full justice pick up three, drinking every three years beginning 2012. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: Winter/Spring 2011
Barossa Valley Estate ‘E&E Black Pepper’ Shiraz 2004
Barossa Valley, South Australia $99.95 (971705) 15.0% alcohol
Recently retaining its ‘Outstanding’ status in the new (V) Langton’s classification, this vintage certainly lives up to the accolade. It’s rich and luscious with alluring, perfumed aromas of juicy cherry, chocolate, spice and hints of black pepper. Balanced and complex, fruit-forward flavours abound—juicy black plum, cassis, succulent mulberry mingling with nuances of bittersweet chocolate and mixed spice. It’s beautifully structured and underpinned by ripe, supple tannin. My highest compliment—it was tough to spit. (Vic Harradine)
Vintages Release: September 2011
Masi ‘Riserva di Costasera’ Amarone Classico 2005
DOC Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Italy $38.95 (317057) 15.0% alcohol
This is a special cuvée delivering an awesome tasting experience. Inky black, there are persistent, rich and complex flavours of dark cherry, kirsch liqueur and red licorice mingling with espresso roast on the palate and lengthy, nicely balanced finish. It’s full bodied, beautifully textured with a perceptible tannin underpinning. Drink now after a three-hour decant, on to 2025. Order by the case now via Brian Giles This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Vic Harradine)