Fragrant aromas of roses, plums, and ripe cherries are a nice introduction to this wine. Less impressive on the palate, however, with relatively simple black cherry and chocolate flavors and a good dose of oak. 86-87 points.

Somewhat muted nose, although with vigorous swirling I was able to discern some plum and menthol aromas. Earthier on the palate than one would expect, although I would not go so far as to say rustic, with chewy plum, olive, loam and herb flavors. Finishes with a noticeable degree of heat.

A blend of Shiraz, Merlot, and Cabernet, the 2006 is a step up from the 2005. Sweet aromas on strawberry jam and ripe plums. Rich and smooth on the palate, with delicious cherry, raspberry, and strawberry flavors. Smooth texture. Not a wine to contemplate over, but a real joy to drink.

The best of their entry-level wines and better than most Aussie Shirazes (and quite a few California Syrahs) at twice the price. Lush nose of blueberries, black raspberries, vanilla, cinnamon, and toffee -- like walking into confectionary shop. Intense on the palate, this wine has tons of blue and black fruit flavors, accented with licorce and spice. There is noticeable heat on the finish, but I would say that drunk young enough and cool enough, the hedonistic fruit in this wine provides a sufficient and satisfying distraction. 90-91 points.

A very un-Cabernet Cabernet, which is perhaps a good thing, since I generally have not been too impressed with many mid-priced Cabs from Australia. I guess I was expecting more of the same, because this wine ended up blowing me away. Rich nose of blueberry jam and ripe plums. Interesting mix of red and black fruits on the palate, in particular cranberry and blackberry, supported an intense beam of acidity. Of course, purists might object that this wine tastes a bit more like a Shiraz than a Cab, but all I can say is that upon taking my first sip, my first impression was "Wow!"

Another winner from Mollydooker and a step up from the Boxer. Lovely nose of blueberries, plums, and violets. Rich and decadent on the palate, with blueberry, mocha, vanilla, and expresso flavors; I can imagine these flavors as new concoction from Starbucks. Noticeable heat on the finish, much like the Boxer, but I would have thought it would have been better managed at this price point. If not for the heat, I probably would have rated this wine higher than the Gigglepot.

Although not a poor wine by any means, I think this wine suffers in terms of value. A blend of Shiraz and Cabernet. Interesting (and slightly perplexing) nose of rhubarb, plum, and mint. Black fruits and hard spices on the palate. Nice texture and finish, but ultimately, not a very interesting wine to me. The 2006 Two Left Feet is similar wine at a better price.

This is a really nice wine, one that I think has the ability to surpass the 2005 COL. Gorgeous nose of black raspberry, blueberries, and expresso. Rich and concentrated, this wine offers a lush palate that matches the nose, with the additional accent of cinnamon spice. Mouthcoating texture balanced by firm tannins and acidity. Long, long finish. 93-94 points.

A gorgeous and captivating wine. Unlike the other Mollydooker wines, which I tend to down rather quickly, I really wanted to savor and enjoy this wine. Complex nose of black fruits, dark chocolate, cinnamon, and molasses. Rich and unctuous on the palate, with tons of dense black fruits, espresso, and hard spices. Both the wine and its unique packaging should make the Velvet Glove a conversation piece at any dinner event. You could probably get the 2002 Penfolds Grange for about $30 more, but upon leaving the restaurant, all I could think was that I really wanted this wine. So let it be done.

I tend to think of sparkling Shiraz as a fun wine, something inexpensive to drink and not think about too much, so although I enjoyed it, I would have a hard time justifying the price. Sexy aromas of blueberry jam and chocolate dipped strawberries on the nose. Dense palate of carob raisins (think Raisinettes), which normally would be offputting in a still wine, but is slightly balanced out by the bubbles. More of a dessert sparkler than a starter sparkler, I think the density of this wine was just a bit over the top for my tastes. I good subsitute for Port perhaps. 89-90 points.