Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Shiraz 2012, Sister’s Run Shiraz 2012 and Cabernet 2011

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Henry’s Drive ‘Pillar Box’ Padthaway Shiraz 2012
  Syrah from Australia - South Australia

  Review Date : 12-Feb-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Very deep and full, black-hued purple-red colour. The nose is softly full with gently concentrated aromas of ripe, dark red and black plum fruit with berry fruit notes harmoniously intermingling with mint, eucalyptus and spicy, cedary oak. Full-bodied, softly rich and sweetly ripe fruit flavours of dark plums and chocolate are melded with layers of spicy, cedary oak, unfolding mint nuances. Fine, grainy tannin textures feature on the palate and the mouthfeel and structure is supported by some alcohol power. Soft acidity allows the extraction and grip to show and carry the wine to a very long, lingering finish with sweet plum and spicy oak flavours. This is a rich, ripe Shiraz with plum, cedar spices and minty flavours and a grainy, textural palate. Match with roasted and grilled red meats and casseroles over the next 5-6+ years. Padthaway fruit fermented to 14.5% alc., the wine aged 10 months in 60% French and 40% American oak. 18.0+/20 Feb 2015 RRP $26.00
• Sister’s Run ‘Cavalry Hill’ Barossa Shiraz 2012
  Syrah from Australia - South Australia

  Review Date : 12-Feb-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep, black-hued red with light purple hues on rim. The nose is softly concentrated with good depth and intensity of ripe blackberry fruit entwined with notes of liquorice, eucalypt, black pepper and subtly spicy, well-balanced oak. Fullish-bodied, the fruit flavours of dark red and black berry fruit and black pepper are sweetly rich, succulent and vibrant. The fruit has vitality and energy and is elegantly presented, supported by fine-grained, near-silk tannin extraction. Oaking is sensitive and discreet. The wine flows along a tight, elegant line with underlying power, leading to a very long, sweet-fruited finish. This is an elegantly proportioned, succulent and vibrant Shiraz with fine-grained tannin structure. Serve with roasted lamb and beef over the next 6-7+ years. Fruit from Carl Lindner’s ‘Calvary Hill’ vineyard, Lyndoch, in the Barossa, fermented to 14.5% alc. 3062 dozen made. 18.5/20 Feb 2015 RRP $26.00
• Sister’s Run ‘Bethlehem Block’ Barossa Cabernet 2011
  Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia - South Australia

  Review Date : 12-Feb-2015

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark-hearted black-hued red with garnet on rim. This has an elegantly proportioned bouquet of soft blackcurrant fruit with some cassis and fragrant spice notes harmoniously melded with cedary oak, the aromatics beginning to soften and integrate with savoury secondary elements. Medium-full bodied, a softly concentrated core of blackcurrant, spice and cedar flavours unfold olive and minty detail on the front palate. The fruit is sweet and rich, and is balanced by fine-grained, powdery tannins that provide a smooth line. The palate grows in drying textures, with lacy acidity emerging and carrying through to a long finish with restrained blackcurrant, spice and cedar elements. This is a soft, dry-textured Cabernet Sauvignon with harmonious blackcurrant and cedary flavours. Match with roasted red meats and hard cheeses over the next 5-6+ years. Fruit from Carl Lindner’s ‘Bethlehem Block’, Gomersal, in the Barossa, fermented to 14.5% alc. 2385 dozen made. 18.0/20 Feb 2015 RRP $26.00