Assorted Australian Shiraz Tasting Lot — Hardys "Tintara" & Stella's Garden "Lost Highway Project" McLaren Vale, Cimicky "Signature" & Barton Vale "The Changeling" & Langmeil "Valley Floor" Barossa Valley & Ta

“Dense purple-red; a massively concentrated bouquet, crammed with blackberry, plum and licorice fruit leads into a similarly plushy, upholstered palate. Plum, spice, tannins and oak need a minimum of five years to calm down their impact.” (06/2000)

“The inky purple-colored 2001 Shiraz The Changeling offers up aromas of flowers (acacia or violets?), black and blue fruits, spice, and subtle toasty oak. Medium to full-bodied, powerful yet elegant... (RP)” (08/2003)

“Rich, ripe and distinctive for its spicy, bay leaf–scented blackberry, cherry and coffee-spice flavors, which linger nicely on the round, velvety finish. (HS)” (07/2003)

“A barrel sample of the 2003 Shiraz Cambrian reveals marvelous raw materials, combining both power and elegance. It should evolve into a multidimensional wine.” (10/2004)

“Dark ruby. Flamboyant aromas of sweet blackberry, cassis, dark raspberry and candied licorice, with notes of violet, mocha and sexy oak spice. Very syrah in the mouth, with flavors of creme de mure, black olive, roasted coffee, sweet pepper and light camphor. Supple and round on the finish, with fully buffered, sweet tannins. (JR)” (07/2005)

“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)

“Most attractive effortless, almost lazy, flavour development; shiny black cherry fruit with touches of spice and licorice.” (02/2007)

“Bright ruby. Smoky cherry and dark chocolate on the nose, with a bright hint of fresh rose. Spicy, tightly wound red berry flavors gain depth with air, picking up bitter chocolate and candied violet notes. Tangy red- and blackcurrant flavors dominate the long, juicy finish, which displays noteworthy clarity and persistence. (JR)” (07/2007)

“The dark ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Valley Floor (which sees all American oak) reveals more spice, vanillin, and toasty characteristics without the complexity of its less expensive sibling. It is a straightforward yet impressively deep, rich, pure Shiraz... (RP)” (10/2006)

“Langmeil's entry-level Shiraz is an impressive effort, combining bright aromatics and bold flavors of mulberries, blackberries and raspberries, then framing them with subtle undertones of vanilla. The texture is creamy and ultrasmooth, turning crisp and a bit tart on the finish. (JC)” (04/2007)

“Smooth and creamy, with a distinct mocha edge to the soft berry and spice flavors, lingering on the polished finish. (HS)” (10/2007)