Inky AF and fully opaque, a very rich purple in the glass with thick legs belying the 14.2% kick.  Rich, layered notes of red currants, very ripe cherry, cigar box, blueberry ganache and blackberry.  The palate is full bodied, showing medium tannins and juicy acidity.  The red and blue fruit flavors are complemented by the cedar and I also get some menthol.  There is a hint of Brazilian roasted coffee bean to boot. There is another, indescribable note I’m having a tough time pinpointing that I’m enamored with.  The tannic structure is very good, integrated yet still fresh it coats my gums but is not too dry.  The finish is of good length with a nice mouthfeel.  This is a really delicious wine that gets 92 points from me.  Serve it with lamb, game meat or juicy ribeyes.  It has the flavors and backbone to pair with rich dishes.  $30 is a decent price for such a blockbuster that gets 5 stars from me. Drink till 2027. Salut….

To say I am excited about today’s tasting would be an understatement.  Many years ago, I discovered this Shiraz in a wine shop in Anchorage, Alaska.  The local restaurant also carried it so it was easy to avail myself of this heady Shiraz, the little brother to the iconic Armagh.  I have searched high and low for over 10 years, until today.  Nestled into a corner of the local wine shop in Hong Kong were 5 bottles.  I’m trying this one out and will return for the others if it works out.  Here goes….

It has changed with the absence of a cork, replaced with the ease of a screw cap.  Fully opaque, dark and brooding…  Like I remember.  The nose offers up sweet damson,  charred oak, plums and lilac.  I get a little blackberry jam note as well.  The palate is as I remember- rich, deep, layered and chock full of flavors.  It’s a lighter, less jammy version of the older ones which makes it a bit fresher and easier to drink.  Blackberries, delicious oak, blueberry pie and vanilla all swirl around the palate.  There is a very gradual introduction to the tannins, which are super fine grained and not very obtrusive.  This wine has a very lush mouthfeel, it coats my gums and palate with delicious dark fruits from the front to the back.  The astringency is well in check and there is a touch of acidity that keeps it fresh.  This wine is a pleasure to drink, I am loving it.  I would imagine it would pair beautifully with Filet and Bearnaise, or you can just sip it alone like I am.  93 points from me for this $38 effort that gets 5 stars from me.  Drink till 2029.  Salut….

One of my favorite Aussie Shiraz is the bigger brother to this wine, but I have not been able to find the McRae Wood anywhere.  The Lodge Hill is their entry level Shiraz, the McRae Wood being the $50 effort while their top cuvee is the Armagh, priced around $250.

This one looks decent in the glass, a good solid purple that is ever so see-through.  The nose is plum, cedar shavings and Ribena.  On the palate is where this wine shines.  Not overly extracted or jammy, it offers more plums, dark cherry and herbs.  The mid palate continues the theme and ramps up the tannins which are in full force by the time the finish rolls around.  The tannic component is very smooth, yet gripping.  They leave my upper gums thoroughly dry for a short period.  This is a decent wine that is not jammy yet offers lots of flavor.  I am serving it with some roast beef, it would pair beautifully with Shish Kebabs and Basmati rice.  89 points from me make this $18 offering a 3 star wine.  Salut…..