Very characteristic of the 2005 vintage for its ultra-ripe red cherry liqueur and raspberry fruit; high juice, low complexity. But fortunately it isn't hot like many 2005s, and though it toes the line of overripeness, it's restrained just enough to make it work. Drink now-2018
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
(3/4/2016)
An exceptional Shiraz with an outrageous nose of Turkish coffee, licorice, and crushed rock. Palate adds crushed blackberry and purple flowers, with a strong vein of acidity that persists through the finish. Drink now-2023
Lacked the power of the bottle last November; the elements were there, just not the execution. Compared to the 2009 Mvemve Raats Compostella alongside, you can really see the Syrah quality coming out in this wine: purple/black fruit, peppery, more floral. Drink 2018-24
This bottle was in a dumb phase; fruit never fully expressive, which allowed weedy-green tannins to overwhelm the palate. Thankfully there were hints of fresh blue/black berry and plum flavors and complementary coffee edges, but this clearly needs more time. Drink 2018-28
Versus the 2010 Flaccianello, this is much more traditional Sangiovese in style, less flamboyant, and therefore a more cerebral experience. It's a finesse wine, with the black cherry and damson plum connected by herbal tea and orange peel influences from start to finish. Drink 2017-26
Lived up to expectations. Exotic nose of coffee bean, pistachio, and concentrated black plum. Palate carries the plum flavors and picks up dark berry and chocolate nuances. A modern style of Sangiovese, drinks well now but has a long life ahead.
Monster Amarone by almost every definition, yet the bottle says Valpolicella. This wine is all about extract, which gives tremendous, pleasurable weight to the mouthfeel, with sticky asphalt and blackberry flavors across the palate, and enough spicy oak to support it. Drink now-2025
2005 Clarendon Hills Syrah Hickinbotham 93 Points
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
(3/4/2016)
Very characteristic of the 2005 vintage for its ultra-ripe red cherry liqueur and raspberry fruit; high juice, low complexity. But fortunately it isn't hot like many 2005s, and though it toes the line of overripeness, it's restrained just enough to make it work. Drink now-2018
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