On the nose, the first aromas are of wheat bread, and a stably-animal character; after a few minutes in the glass, sweet plum and a little caramel steps in. I can’t use the descriptors “subtle,” “lovely, chalky tannins” and “gorgeous, juicy fruit” enough. Finishes long and juicy, with those lovely, chalky tannins, plus caramel, mocha and mint flavors.
— D.T.
(5/1/2004)
This is a bold, full-flavored, authoritative example of Eden Valley Shiraz. Cool-climate notes of cracked pepper elegantly frame waves of blackberry fruit that are fresh and zingy, not cooked or confected. This is firmly structured and built for the cellar, yet the tannins are ripe, forming a silky web that supports the fruit on the prolonged finish. Drink 2012–2035.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
This stellar wine takes a little time in the glass to show its true class, but once it’s properly aerated, the aromas go from rather vague and lifted to plummy and spice laden. In the mouth, it’s rich, creamy-textured and lush, offering the flavors of plum pudding without the excessive weight that the words suggest, plus hints of grilled meat. Again, with airing…
— J.C.
(4/1/2009)
My resolution for 2004: To mount a campaign for Mt. Edelstone appreciation, as this excellent wine is always overshadowed in the U.S. by its better-known, smaller-production sibling, Hill of Grace. Mt. Edelstone is a consistent, fabulous wine at a fraction of HOG’s price. This vintage shows penetrating spearmint, bread flour and perfectly ripe red plums on the…
— D.T.
(5/1/2004)
“Hill of Grace has a smell that reminds me of my grandmother’s handbag—cloth, with a wooden handle,” says Stephen Henschke. Strange but understandable. I thought it smelled like an odd but nice mix of green olive, eucalyptus and eggroll wrapper. It’s a beautiful wine, with a base of red plums on the palate, dusted with mulling spices. Finishes with a flourish of…
— D.T.
(2/1/2004)
Readers fortunate enough to latch onto a bottle of the fewer than 300 imported to the U.S. will find themselves with a super bottle of Shiraz that manages to deliver great flavor intensity without relying on excessive weight. Notes of cracked black pepper and herbal nuances add complexity to the liquorous blackberry aromas, building in spicy intensity through the…
— J.C.
(5/1/2007)
A marvelous effort, this features a gorgeously seductive bouquet of herbs, spice, blueberries and stone fruit, all framed by a touch of cedary oak. In the mouth, it’s creamy and lush, but well-structured, ending with a dose of dusty tannins and an extra blast of fruit. Has it all: ample complexity, intensity and length, with its components in finely judged balance…
— J.C.
(4/25/2007)
Lenswood, in the Adelaide Hills, is apple-growing country; “Croft” refers to local apple-grower Frederick Croft. But it’s peach and nectarine, not apples, that you get on the nose and palate of this amazing Chardonnay. Fruit tastes juicy and freshly cut on the palate, and is light and delicate on the nose. The cream and vanilla is subtle, despite full malolactic…
— D.T.
(2/1/2004)