Ben Glaetzer Eye of Ra Shiraz
The Eye of Ra was the powerful feminine counterpart to the sun god Ra in Egyptian mythology and was personified by a number of Egyptian goddesses. They also represented the polarity of extreme force of the sun’s heat countered by the sun’s nurturing gaze. Wine maker Ben Glaezter similarly produced the Eye of Ra Shiraz featuring excellent power and depth balanced by restraint and elegance leading to an amazing evolution in the bottle and glass. The Eye of Rã 2018 Shiraz reflects Ben Glaetzer’s aspiration to create the perfect wine that is the epitome of Barossa Shiraz. 100% Shiraz, extraordinary fruit was sourced from selected vines from four outstanding vineyards from the renowned Ebenezer sub district at the northern tip of the Barossa Valley. The fruit was hand harvested from low yielding vines aged up to 110 years old predominantly in deep sandy soils of a red brown texture known as contrast soils. The result was exceptional quality featuring intense depth of colour, astounding aromatic purity and brightness on the palate. The parcels were fermented separately in small open fermenters and gently hand plunged 3 times daily. During fermentation the temperature was kept very cool below 18 degrees Celsius to enhance the fresh aromatic profile without over extraction. The wine was then matured for 16 months in 100% new French oak hogsheads with natural malolactic fermentation continuing in oak during maturation. The fine grained French hogsheads were of the highest quality with tannin profiles selected to best express the flavours of the individual parcels. Inky, opaque purple with red accents in colour. The aromas are expressive and forceful, development will reveal delicious herbs that accent a core of dark berry fruit. On the palate there are polished tannins balancing the dominant fruit. Black berries are layered over red, with mocha, liquorice and fresh-cut cedar. Cellaring in the bottle will lead to increased complexity and even greater enjoyment.
Jim Barry The Armagh
Deep crimson. Classical blackberry, praline, ginger, sage aromas with mocha oak notes. Luxurious blackberry pastille, blackcurrant, black cherry fruits, superb fine chocolatey/velvet tannins and beautifully balanced mocha/vanilla/smoky oak notes. Finishes velvety/gravelly firm with raspberry, graphite/bush garrigue notes. A hugely impressive long-lasting Clare Valley Shiraz with lovely fruit definition, density and vigour.
Brokenwood GraveyardShiraz
The intensely perfumed, sumptuous and seductive Brokenwood Graveyard articulates the very best of Hunter Shiraz. It is arguably the Hunter Valley's greatest red wine of the contemporary era. The east-facing Graveyard vineyard, first planted out in 1968, was once earmarked in 1882 as the Pokolbin cemetery but this did not eventuate.Young elemental Graveyard typically shows ginger bread, blackberry aniseed fruit, plenty of savoury oak and floral herb garden notes. The opulent gamey French polish characters develop with time bringing a rich palimpsest of aromas and flavours.
Penfolds RWT Giftbox Barossa Valley Shiraz
Penfolds RWT Barossa Shiraz is a distinctly modern wine that articulates the Barossa terroir with Penfolds’ signature method of winemaking. First vintaged in 1997 after several years of 'Red Winemaking Trials', RWT is typically inky deep in colour, with sumptuous fruit sweetness, mouth-filling flavours, underlying spice, savoury nuances and chocolaty tannins. The wine is matured in new and seasoned French oak for around 12 to 15 months.
Penfolds Superblend 802A & 802B Cabernet Shiraz
Uncork a captivating exploration of the iconic Australian blend. The 802A offers a robust symphony of blackcurrant, dark plum, and rich mocha, with a profound, muscular palate of concentrated dark fruits and firm tannins. The 802B, in contrast, presents a more perfumed nose of red cherry, subtle spice, and violet, delivering a refined yet equally full-bodied taste with elegant structure and a seamless, lingering finish.
Clarendon Hill AS Shiraz
Immerse yourself in the celestial elegance of Clarendon Hills Astralis Shiraz 2013, a 750mL masterpiece from McLaren Vale’s premier single vineyard. Sourced from 35 to 70-year-old dry-grown vines on clay, ironstone, and gravelly soils, this wine captures the essence of its terroir with minimal intervention. Fermented with wild yeasts and matured for 18 months in 100% new French oak barriques, the 2013 vintage reveals a deep garnet hue. Its complex nose offers exotic spices, graphite, dark plums, black tea, iodine, white pepper, and a touch of redder plum. The palate is strikingly concentrated, with rich red plums and blackberries, framed by super-fine, long tannins that promise decades of evolution. Rated 95 points by James Suckling for its powerful yet youthful profile, this Astralis is a collector’s treasure, ideal for pairing with beef or venison, and a testament to Australian winemaking at its finest.
Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz Museum Release
The Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz Museum Release 2014 is a bold and elegant wine from South Australia. Expressive aromas of blackcurrants, dark berries, and subtle oak fill the nose, teasing the senses and hinting at the depth and complexity of this vintage. On the palate, rich notes of plum, blackberry, and mocha are expertly balanced with fine tannins and a touch of spice. The deep ruby color adds to the allure of this wine, reflecting the intensity of flavors within. The finish is long and smooth, leaving a lingering impression of dark fruits and a touch of sweetness. This 2014 vintage from Yalumba is a testament to their commitment to quality and their mastery in blending Cabernet and Shiraz grapes. A true delight for all wine enthusiasts.