McLaren Vale

This is still one of the poster boys for big, fruity Aussie wines.  It can be a love it or hate it wine, but I find, as long as you know what to expect going in, this is a well made and delicious wine.  A blend of 71% Shiraz and 29% Cabernet.  Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose has black cherries, black pepper, slight dill (American oak?), and smoke.  On the palate, this is rich and full bodied.  Black raspberries, slight raisins with light tannins.  There is some alcohol/heat on the mid-palate and finish.  It is ripe and delicious and probably better on its own, but it trying

This is a big, sweet wine.  It will likely be love it or hate it for most people.  For my tastes, it is good but a little goes a long way.  Inky purple in color.  The nose is blackberry pie with some cherries, cedar, and chocolate.  On the palate, this is full bodied.  Sweet with blackberry pie, cherry pie, some dark chocolate and just a bit of spice.  This lists 16.5% ABV on the label and though it tastes it, and feels it texturaly (is that a word?), there isn't any heat.  Long, sweet finish.  So, basically, this should be consumed as though one was drinking port.  It will overpower most f

Inky purple in color.  The nose is very tight on this.  With time, blueberries and black raspberries with slight saw dust notes.  On the palate, this has plums and black raspberries.  Very smooth with little tannins.  Good balance.  Easy drinking.  This retails for $20 and is a good value and nice for parties.  It would work with bigger or meat based dishes.  

Inky purple in color, ruby at the rim.  The nose is nice with black raspberries and black olives.  On the palate, there is some complexity here.  Juicy acidity.  Tart black cherry fruit.  Some heat.  Medium bodied.  This retails for $19 which is a very nice value.  This would work for BBQ or other bigger foods.  

Inky purple in color.  The nose has black raspberries, saw dust and clay.  On the palate, this has tart acidity.  Black cherry notes.  Slight tannins and a sour, but long finish.  This did improve with air, so it likely will improve with a bit of bottle age.  Needs bold food to pair with.  $30 retail.  The sum is better than the parts here.