Joe Czerwinski

Reviews from Joe Czerwinski.

Tasting Director and Senior Editor Joe Czerwinski joined Wine Enthusiast Magazine in 1999 as an associate editor. In addition to…

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• • 94
  • $100

  Langmeil 2008 The Freedom 1843 Shiraz (Barossa)

  1. Appellation: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Named for the year the vineyard was planted, this is a full-bore Barossa fruit bomb—in a positive way. Waves of lush berry fruit are framed by hints of vanilla and mint in this full-bodied, creamy-textured wine that somehow manages to retain a sense of elegance and proportion.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 94
• • 93
  • $100

  Château Tanunda 2008 The Château 100 Year Old Vines Shiraz (Barossa Valley)

  1. Appellation: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Winemaker Stu Bourne, formerly of Barossa Valley Estates (think E&E Black Pepper Shiraz), has landed on his feet at Château Tanunda, and this luxury bottling is a beauty. It’s full bodied and richly tannic yet drinkable, with layers of mocha and blueberries, hints of grilled meat and a long, velvety finish.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 93
• • 93
  • $50

  Henry's Drive Vignerons 2008 Reserve Shiraz (Padthaway)

  1. Appellation: Padthaway, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Big, bold and structured, this is a dry yet mouthwatering beast of a Shiraz, its blackberry, mocha and black olive notes held in check by firm tannins. Give it 3–4 years in the cellar, then drink it over the next several years.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 93
• • 92
  • $31

  Yalumba 2008 Hand Picked Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa)

  1. Appellation: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  A consistent performer, Yalumba’s Hand Picked Shiraz-Viognier seems slightly bigger and chunkier in 2008 than in the past, with bold fruit—blueberries and blackberries—accented by hints of mint. Expect some savory notes to develop over the next couple of years in bottle.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $20

  Langmeil 2008 Hangin' Snakes Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa)

  1. Appellation: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Full bodied yet surprisingly light on its feet, the 2008 Hangin’ Snakes represents a terrific value. Peppered meat, fresh berries, coffee and black olive notes add up to a complex, savory wine, framed by soft tannins. Drink now–2017.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $48

  Hugh Hamilton 2008 Jekyll & Hyde Shiraz-Viognier (McLaren Vale)

  1. Appellation: McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Give this a year or two to settle down. Right now, it’s dense, tarry and near-impenetrable on the nose, with flavors that suggest chocolate and plum pudding alongside some savory elements. The dry dusting of tannins is mouthcoating; drink 2013–2020.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $35

  Glaetzer 2009 Bishop Shiraz (Barossa Valley)

  1. Appellation: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  Glaetzer’s wines have moved in a more savory direction in recent vintages, and the 2009 Bishop displays plenty of tarry, treebark and black olive notes. It’s mouthfilling and round, picking up hints of sweet fruit, framed by mocha and cocoa. Finishes long and intense; drink now–2020.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $31

  Yalumba 2007 Hand Picked Shiraz-Viognier (Barossa)

  1. Appellation: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  This wine’s velvety mouthfeel sets it apart from the pack, as does the vibrancy of its dark berry fruit. Hints of vanilla and mint accent the fruit without detracting from it, as does a subtle layer of mocha. Long and layered on the finish; drink now–2020.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $24

  Langmeil 2008 Valley Floor Shiraz (Barossa)

  1. Appellation: Barossa, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  A terrific value in Barossa Shiraz, Langmeil’s 2008 Valley Floor bottling features bold oak-fruit styling without ever seeming jammy. It’s full bodied but not unstructured, with mulberries and toasted coconut upfront yet a fresh, savory finish framed by dusty tannins. Drink now–2018.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92
• • 92
  • $75

  Hentley Farm 2007 The Beast Shiraz (Barossa Valley)

  1. Appellation: Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia
  2. Varietal: Shiraz/Syrah

  The 2007 is full bodied and rich, but not really Beast-like at this stage of its evolution. The texture is creamy, the tannins nearly silky on the long finish. Flavors of blackberry, mocha and black olive linger. Drink now–2018.  — J.C.  (2/1/2012)  — 92