2008 The Hedonist Shiraz (McLaren Value) Australia – Shiraz grape
The fruit for the Hedonist Shiraz is grown biodynamically on our own vineyard situated in the Willunga foothills, McLaren Vale. Warm Summer days are cooled by evening sea breezes from St Vincent’s Gulf, which lies a close proximity to the West. The soil is rich loam over clay with patches of underlying limestone, giving the wine a rich and fullness of pallet. 92 pts. Wine Spectator Supple, refined and sharply focused to show off its complex, paprika-and-clove accented blackberry flavors. Remains shapely and lithe through the long, expressive finish, the tannins absorbing themselves into the fabric of the wine. Drink now through 2020.” Rated 92 Wine Spectator
2008 Fetish The Watcher Shiraz (Barossa Valley) Australia – Shiraz grape
It is an image steeped in legend and mystery. It implies transcendence and authority. The Watcher is a being of knowledge, of understanding, of concern, of influence. At Fetish Wines, we value this level of attention to every step of the winemaking process, from the soil to the bottle. We do not want to manipulate wine, but to craft it by the subtle direction that can only be achieved through an intimate relationship with the land. For this wine, Rolf Binder is The Watcher “Fresh and vibrant, this is medium-weight and juicily focused to show its blackberry, black plum and white pepper flavors, lingering with hints of white chocolate on the harmonious finish. Drink now through 2018. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 8,000 cases made.” Rated 91 Wine Spectator #61 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2010 The Watcher
2005 Steve Hoff Wines Shiraz (Barossa Valley) Australia – Shiraz grape
The “regular” 2005 Shiraz was produced from estate vineyards in the renowned Barossa terroirs of Marananga and Greenock. The wine was aged for 12 months in American oak, 25% new. Purple/black in color, this Shiraz has an expressive perfume of cedar, pepper, blueberry muffin, and black raspberry. Velvety-textured on the palate, the wine has tons of flavor but is one-dimensional. It will evolve for several years so perhaps more nuances will eventually appear. Rated 89 The Wine Advocate Steve Hoff, the burly owner/winemaker of Steve Hoff Wines, hit the wicket in Barossa’s outstanding 2005 vintage. The winery is composed of 20 acres of estate vineyards and Hoff purchases some fruit from nearby neighbors. His first vintage was in 1984.
2007 Tahbilk Shiraz Goulburn Valley (Victoria) Australia – Shiraz grape
Giving a deep garnet-purple color, the 2007 Shiraz is very peppery with notes of crushed blackberries and anise. The rich, primary fruited, medium to full-bodied palate has a good amount of acid providing lift and a medium to high level of finely grained tannins, which are still a bit firm in the long finish. Give this Shiraz a couple more years in bottle and drink 2012 – 2018. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2009 Two Hands Shiraz Angels Share (McLaren Vale) Australia – Shiraz grape
“Bright, vibrant, generous and effusive, a seamless wine that bursts with fresh-tasting plum, blackberry and fresh cream flavors, coming together with finesse on the long, expressive finish. Rated 92 The Wine Spectator
2005 Glaymond Cabernet Sauvignon (As If) (Barossa Valley) Australia – Cabernet Sauvignon grape
The 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon “Asif” was aged in French oak, 25% new. Purple-colored and glass-coating, it has an expressive bouquet of toasty oak, pencil lead, scorched earth, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. The wine’s full-bodied personality includes layers of spicy black fruits, ripe tannin, excellent balance, and a lengthy finish. Cellar this large-scaled Cabernet for 6-8 years and drink it through 2025. Congratulation to young Mr. Tscharke for an impressive collection of wines!
Glaymond’s owner/winemaker is Damien Tscharke (whose namesake winery is reviewed in this report) with winemaking consultation from superstar Chris Ringland. The vineyards are owned by the Tscharke family which had previously sold the fruit to larger producers. The vines are in a tenderloin portion of the Barossa for growing top-class Shiraz. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate