94
points
Mt. Billy 2002 Liqueur Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
-
$26
So thick and so delicious. It is a deep, almost glowing, red-garnet color, and smells like fresh whipping cream and black pepper. Despite its almost 18% alcohol, this fortified Shiraz is very well balanced. It floods the palate with sweet cassis and vanilla, then settles down to reveal smoky, charred wood flavors, smooth, gripping tannins, and a nutty, long finish…
— D.T.
(12/31/2005)
88
points
Mt. Billy 2002 Harmony Red (Barossa Valley)
-
$36
This Rhône blend (half Shiraz, with Mataro and Grenache evenly split in the remainder) really does taste French, rather than Australian. This is a very good wine, one that offers sour but plump black plum fruit with a tobaccoey, herbaceous edge. It almost needs a “If you don’t like Crozes-Hermitage, keep shopping” warning label; suits me just fine. Imported by…
— D.T.
(12/31/2005)
86
points
Mt. Billy 2003 Harmony Red (Barossa Valley)
-
$33
The dominant note is sour plum. Grace notes of mint, chocolate and leather give it a modicum of complexity, but this blend of 50% Shiraz, 25% Mourvèdre and 25% Grenache is tart and a bit clipped on the finish. It’s medium-bodied, with a slightly creamy texture, but lacks the richness and expansiveness of the best Australian blends.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)