2005 Glaymond Wines Shiraz The Distance

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  11/17/2008, (See more on Garagiste...)

  (Glaymond Shiraz DISTANCE) Distance Dear Friends, Last week's Glaymond Cabernet offer spurred great interest in this producer - how about one of their high-end Shiraz at a very sane price? I remember not to long ago when "premium" bottlings of Shiraz sold in the $25-28 range, what I thought was very fair for an untested entrant - fast forward 10 years and most of the top-level wines from the Barossa start at $50-75 - insane. The 2005 Distance is here to bring sanity back to the US market eager to re-discover Shiraz (but not willing to pay $75/bottle) - it is large-scaled but still harmonious (something of a hallmark for past vintages of this wine) and the immense depth of fruit is impressive indeed. What sets this wine apart is a distinct attempt at a more adult style of Shiraz - it mingles a cupboard full of spice and floral fruit with a slightly smoking jacket style and personality - it would not be out of place in a vintage like 2003 in Hermitage (rather than side by side with the latest freak-show wine of extract). Don't get me wrong, it is still a mammoth wine that finds every hidden place on the palate but it's not just about sugary fruit and oak - there's a lot more going on here and it's no wonder the 2005 Distance has been very well received in Australia (Nick's gave the wine 99pts - keep in mind, it's $28+, not 78+): If you've sworn off high-end Shiraz due to ridiculous prices, this Barossa gem will rekindle your sprit and not force you to take out a second mortgage every time you uncork a bottle - a noble concept that I can easily get behind and one worth supporting. One perfect parcel at this price - close to half of US discount retail: 2005 Glaymond "The Distance" Shiraz Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Aus4356