2004 Australian Shiraz Horizontal Tasting Lot — Euroa Creeks Central Victoria, Glaetzer & Kaesler Old Vine & Schild Estate Barossa Valley, Stella's Garden "Lost Highway Project" McLaren Vale & Tatiarra "Pr

“Deep but bright purple-red; a luscious array of succulent, perfectly ripened, black fruits; excellent balance and length; nuanced tannins and oak. From 80-year-old vines in the Ebenezer region.” (03/2006)

“The finest of this trio is the flagship cuvee, the 2004 Shiraz produced from 80- to 150-year-old dry farmed vineyards in the northern Ebenezer sector of the Barossa. Aged 16 months in French oak and American hogsheads, this larger-than-life, fascinating wine (cropped at .25 to 1 ton of fruit per acre) offers big, sweet, blackberry and cassis characteristics intermixed with notions of smoke, licorice, and pain grille. A wine of amazing extract, richness, and full-bodied power, with great purity as well as balance, this stunning offering should age effortlessly for 15 or more years. Filled with personality, it is a tour de force in Barossa Shiraz.” (10/2005)

“Inky ruby. Spicy blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate on the nose, with complicating notes of espresso and dried violet. Cool and restrained, with a suave, silky tone to the dark fruit flavors and gentle acids bringing freshness and energy. Nothing overdone here. There's impressive clarity and length to the blackberry and blackcurrant flavors. Really gorgeous. (JR)” (08/2006)

“Made from mainly Ebenezer fruit from 80 to 115 year-old vines. Aged in a mixture of new French barrique and American hogsheads. Very deep crimson. Very complete nose that seems to express Barossa Shiraz in a particularly fine form. Very sophisticated wine – great breadth and extremely fine tannins and lovely structure. Tense fruit that is fully ripe but very dry – though not at all drying - on the finish. Miraculously ‘cool’ on the finish. Quite beautifully made. (The previous vintage was the 2002 as 2003 was reckoned not up to scratch – so the Bishop 2003 is particularly good.)” (11/2005)

“Gorgeous stuff, it practically radiates a range of aromas and flavors, balancing its ripe cherry, blackberry and plum fruit with hints of minerals and sweet spices that make the finish sing for days. Tempting to drink, but just wait. *Highly Recommended* (HS)” (09/2006)

“A medium to full-bodied mix of blackberry, mocha, dark chocolate and licorice; ripe tannins.” (03/2006)

“The 2004 Old Vine Shiraz (from a vineyard planted in 1961) was aged in 100% French oak. Its opaque purple color is followed by earth, graphite, and melted road tar characteristics as well as a long, full-throttle palate that has more layers, finesse, and concentration than The Bogan. (RP)” (10/2005)

“Smooth, supple, velvety black fruits; against the majestic power of Old Bastard seems positively elegant; long, balanced palate.” (04/2006)

“Bright and focused, a jazzy mouthful of blackberry and cherry fruit shaded with licorice and pepper. It gets a bit alcoholic in the mouth, but it has the density to carry it off.” (09/2006)

“Made by Sarah and Sparky Marquis, who recently launched their successful Mollydooker line of wines, this is a stunning McLaren Vale Shiraz. Its inky/blue/purple color is accompanied by a huge bouquet of graphite, creosote, blackberries, and pepper. (RP)” (10/2006)

“Assertive and powerful nose shows blackberry, creme de cassis, cola, vanilla, dark chocolate and molasses aromas. Explosively ripe, almost sweet on the palate, with flavors of dark berry and plum liqueur, raspberry jam and chocolate building and expanding through the finish. There are sizable tannins here but the fruit completely overwhelms any rough edges. For the category, this is a solid value. (JR)” (08/2006)

“Rich and ripe. A juicy mouthful of blackberry and rhubarb compote flavors fill the mouth and merge seamlessly with spicy notes as the finish lingers. (HS)” (10/2006)

“Inky purple. Mineral-driven aromas of fresh red berries, plum and licorice. Tangy and vibrant, with juicy acids lifting and extending the raspberry and wild strawberry flavors. Finishes sweet and brisk, the raspberry flavor gaining depth and richness with air. Very pretty shiraz. (JR)” (02/2006)

“Tart and racy, a lively mouthful, like a bowl full of blueberry, blackberry and lime. Rather crisp on its own. Drink it with rich food for harmony. (HS)” (05/2006)

“The Victorian outpost of Barossa, Taitiarra is one of the most exciting operations in Heathcote. A revelation, the 2004 Shiraz Pressings, which was aged 16 months in new American oak, may be the finest Shiraz I have ever tasted from Heathcote. Nearly overwhelming terroir characteristics of graphite, crushed rocks, and wet steel interwoven with acacia flower, creme de cassis, and blueberry notes jump from the glass of this multi-layered, superbly concentrated effort, which displays freakish precision. Offering a seamless blend of extraordinary fruit, but also enormous potential, complexity, and definition, it is an amazing effort from winemaker Ben Riggs! (RP) 98+” (10/2005)

“Deep, dark, opaque colour; full-bodied, with an extra degree of intensity and structure, the greater tannins (still ripe and in balance) from the pressings; another dimension to the licorice, blackberry and plum.” (03/2006)

“The 2004 Tatiarra Shiraz Pressings Caravan of Dreams is aging gracefully and has shed its healthy dose of baby fat, revealing a more nuanced, elegant wine. It offers up ripe, earthy notes of blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with leather, roasted meats, spice and violets. Smooth, suave and almost subtle, there are still traces of oak but they’re integrating beautifully. The wine is full bodied with a smooth, silky texture, prefect balance, fresh acidity and a clean finish that shows serious length. This bottle was purchased by me on release and cellared in a passive cellar. It was consumed over three days and it was consistently great over all of them. Sadly, my last bottle. I think the balance in the wine will allow this to age gracefully...” (05/2010)