2002 Rafferty's Rules Angels Share Shiraz

This is a bit of a cheater post, as I opened a bottle of this Shiraz for a friend, Hillary, who wanted a glass of red wine - and I did not want to drink. I have been sitting on this bottle for a few months, waiting to try it again. It is on the list at BONDA for about $30 and I have always thought it is a great deal. The distributor had been trying to get rid of this vintage to make way for the '03 and was selling it at bargain basement pricing!

Here is my write up from the wine list:

From McClaren Vale, Australia, this Shiraz is blended from three of my favorite sources down under: McClaren Vale, Heathcote, and Langhorne Creek. From the producer: “the ultimate hedonistic expression of Shiraz. Velvety smooth, rich and spicy, packed with blackberry and plum flavours framed by the judicious use of oak. This vintage retains the family identity of Rafferty’s Shiraz – pleasure.”

The "Angel's Share" refers to the portion lost evaporation due to barrel maturation. A few winemakers use this designate for their wines, however I always thought it was the wine at the top of the barrel - which is almost true.

Anyway, I have a little bit of a cold, so this wine tastes (to me) like eucalyptus, Robitussin DM, big black cherry, black plum, medium tannins (but not enough to support the fruit) with a long alcoholic finish. Could definitely use more time in the bottle to mellow these flavors. My friend tastes none of this in her glass, and thinks the wine is divine. Jamie is coming over later, so I will save him a glass, and see how off my palate really is!

06.02.08 /2005 Two Hands Harry and Edward's Garden Shiraz

Jamie and I have tried a few of the Two Hands' wines for the restaurant. This was our favorite and from Langehorn Creek which is my favorite appelation in Australia for Shiraz.

Although very expensive ($120 on the list), it is pretty delish. I couldn't find my tasting notes, but I remember it needed time to open up, and maybe more time in the bottle. Big juicy blackberry and cassis flavors - not too big on the alcohol - with medium tannins.

Not a wine to drink everyday, or in the summer, but it will be awesome in the fall.

02.09.08 / Bachelor Party Wines at Joseph's

Descriptions to follow. The winner of the night was the Two Hands by far! Another big Shiraz that gets great reviews that I have been avoiding, but Jamie bought and brought it - and it was delicious!

02.06.08 / 2005 Godolphin by Ben Glaetzer

Jamie and I have been sitting on this wine for awhile, waiting for the perfect time to drink it. I had been resisting buying a case, but I heard such great things about this wine, that I had to buy a six pack. We will sell it for $92, and it is well worth it. I was not a fan of Australian Shiraz until about 4 years back when I had a 2000 Henry's Drive Reserve. I have had many fantastic Shirazs and many mediocre Shirazs. The Godolhpin is not mediocre. 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Delicate, bold, delicious!

Cooper says, OK Daddy, if you like it, but I'll keep my formula.

Big and fleshy, with notes of oak that don't over power the fruit. Flavors of dark chocolate and mocha, super smooth, with mild tannins. It just kept getting better, and probably could have used some time in the decanter.