It is no secret that I love all things labeled “Rhone Blend” and this offering from E. Guigal (one of the regions best) perfectly illustrates why. The 2006 E. Guigal Gigondas is all creme de cassis, blueberries, crushed rock, pepper, and hints of lavender. Incredibly muscular, this wine is finally coming around to its “drinking-range”. [...]

Two Hands, while relatively new, has been turning out consistently outstanding Syrah-based wines from the Barossa Valley every single year. Five wines in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 and 2 in the Top 10! The just-released 2008 vintage of Two Hands Angel’s Share Shiraz continues this excellence with a big, bold and expressive red, with some [...]

Huge fan of Rhone blends…always have been, most likely always will be. My problem is I drink so many from the Rhone Valley that I crave change. That is why I love the fact that so many other countries are experimenting with these blends at all different price-points. My latest discovery is from the famed [...]

Henry’s Drive, with their terrific winemaker Chris Ringland, are turning out some of Australia’s most exciting and highly rated wines, with a stable that includes Dead Letter Office, Pillar Box, and Parson’s Flat Shiraz/Cabernet. A blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% American oak, of which 80% is new. It is [...]

2002 was a difficult year for most Australian winemakers. Intense heat was the name of the game, all year. Many vineyards received so much sun, they were actually damaged. Most of the reds are insanely high in alcohol and many so extracted as to taste thick. While this may seem a negative, what it ends [...]

This is the second wine I have reviewed recently from Colonial Estate, and this Shiraz may one day go down as legendary. L’Explorateur Old Vine 2005 is an absolute triumph at its price. The blockbuster, inky/ruby/purple-hued 2005 L’Explorateur Shiraz offers sweet aromas of blackberries, white pepper, licorice, and graphite. While full-bodied, powerful, and rich, it [...]

As a long time lover of Rhone reds, it was natural that I would get excited by the growing Syrah movement in California. This grape is one of, if not my most, favorite in the red spectrum. I have been a follower of Washington Syrahs for years and I truly believe that California will surpass [...]

There are very few Syrah winemakers more accomplished than Ben Glaetzer. As the owner or co-owner of Glaetzer, Mitolo, and Heartland wineries, Ben has been a star (and a sweetheart of Robert Parker) almost from the start, and his Amon-Ra bottlings have put him in the upper echelon of world-wide winemakers. His “value” shiraz, the [...]

R Wines from The Grateful Palate Imports is a mercilessly irreverent winery that manages to churn out winner after winner every year. From the simpler Bitch Grenache, and Bon-Bon Rose, to the newest regional Luchador Shiraz 2007, there are very few misses in their lineup. The Luchador, sources completely from Barossa Valley fruit, is big [...]

Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red 2007, a great “little” Shiraz/Cabernet blend is the perfect wine to keep around for pure versatility. Grilling tonight? Pillar Box Red. Spicy Thai and don’t feel like drinking white? Pillar Box Red. Lasagna and not in the mood for an Italian wine? Pillar Box Red! At the price there is [...]