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Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (South Eastern Australia)
- Online Exclusive
- $15
A blend of estate-grown fruit from Currency Creek and McLaren Vale, the flagship label of the Ballast Stone line represents a solid value. Cassis fruit is showcased admirably by hints of eucalyptus and wood-derived accents of toasted coconut and vanilla, while the texture is surprisingly lush and the finish velvety.
— J.C.
(3/1/2007)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2006 Shiraz (McLaren Vale)
- $16
Not a wine for the faint of heart. Alluring notes of raspberry, blackberry, smoke and coconut set the scene for powerful flavors of strawberry and black pepper in the mouth. Tannins are abundant but polished. The finish is a bit of a disappointment, with a whisper of astringency and a huge hit of coconut. Still, well done and fairly priced. Drink with steak.
— W.E.
(12/31/2009)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2004 Stonemason Shiraz (Currency Creek)
- Best Buy
- $10
A distinctly different take on $10 Australian Shiraz, this wine offers up perfumey scents of anise and a bit of stone fruit—perhaps apricot? In the mouth, spicedrop flavors ride easily over a foundation of earth, coffee and leather. If you’re tired of jammy Shirazes, this might be just the ticket.
— J.C.
(3/1/2007)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2004 Stonemason Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz (Currency Creek)
- Best Buy
- $10
Roughly two-thirds Cab, one-third Shiraz, this is a bulky, brawny wine at the price point, offering intense flavors of dried fruit, cassis and chocolate delivered assertively, without much complexity or finesse. It’s the kind of rough and ready wine to pair with grilled burgers or sausages.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2006 Steeple Jack Shiraz (South Australia)
- Best Buy
- $7
The rock-bottom price shows just how much Aussie grapegrowers must be suffering, but American consumers are the beneficiaries. This is admirably concentrated on the palate, offering cherries, cinnamon and leather; there's even a hint of licorice on the slightly dusty finish.
— J.C.
(11/1/2009)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2004 Steeple Jack Merlot (South Australia)
- Best Buy
- $7
Consumers looking for a soft, fleshy Merlot at a bargain price need look no further than this bottling. It’s plummy and a bit herbal, but loaded with attractive vanilla notes. Easy to drink; a good by-the-glass pour.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2007 Stonemason Cabernet Sauvignon (Currency Creek)
- Online Exclusive
- $12
— J.C.
(7/1/2009)
Ballast Stone Estate Wines 2004 Grenache (Currency Creek-McLaren Vale)
- Online Exclusive
- $16
Shows decent complexity, with smoke, leather and spice notes dominating over modest levels of cranberryish fruit. Either this is beginning to dry out, or it was never all that lush to begin with. Drink up.
— J.C.
(8/1/2009)
Showing items 1
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18
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2009 Native 9 Rancho Ontiveros Vineyards
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