Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz - 90+pts

Langmeil Winery 2015 Valley Floor Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $30-35 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 10th, 2019

Tasting Notes: The Langmeil Valley Floor is like a meta-critic constructed, amalgamation of an Aussie Shiraz; something to like for all tastes. You like deep, dark fruit in your Shiraz? Check. You like moody, mysterious eucalyptus in your Shiraz? Check. You like added layers of cocoa, savoury spice, sweet peppercorn and cola? Check. You like it full bodied and full flavoured, yet, not over extracted? Check.

If it checks so many boxes, why not a perfect score then? Because it also checks the box for 'a safe bet, something that will please fans of Shiraz but isn't too challenging'. The 'Fluffy' Iglesias of Shiraz. Ready to go now. Drink now-2022.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2019 IconWines.ca

Longview 2012 Devil's Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon - 91pts

Longview 2012 Devil's Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon (Adelaide Hills) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $23-26 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: July 11th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Concentrated on the menthol'n'cassis infused nose and on the fine-tannin, lengthy palate. Offers an off-dry entry with an explosion of sun-warmed blue fruits followed by waves of vibrant, berry acidity and savoury flavours of oak, licorice and more menthol. Finishes dry with lingering blackberry puree and spices. Intense, yet balanced. Ready to go now at already 5 years of age. Drink now-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Cape Barren Wines 2012 CMC - 91pts

Cape Barren Wines 2012 CMC (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited. BCLDB stores
Cost: $21.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: April 8th, 2017

Tasting Notes: Sourced from a single vineyard in McLaren Vale, this instantly appealing blend of 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc offers good continuity from the complex nose to the approachable, medium-plus bodied and soft tannin palate with aromas and flavours of cassis, licorice, sweet earth, cappuccino, caramel and light menthol. Wild berry acidity and flavours linger on the long, spiced finish. A delightful drink. Drink now-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca

Henschke 2013 Peggy's Hill Riesling - 88-90pts

Henschke 2013 Peggy's Hill Riesling (Eden Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $17-20 (Australia)
Alcohol: 11.5%
Date Tasted: December 9th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Though it opens with an ambitious, aromatic nose of orange blossoms, rose water and citrus fruit, this Eden Valley Riesling becomes a demure, subtle charmer on its mineral and citrus infused, (mostly) dry palate.

Looks to be a good candidate for cellaring due to its light, tropical fruit notes on the palate that should evolve and become more prominent over the next 5 years or so. Drink 2018-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Grant Burge Wines 2012 Berryfield - 88pts

Grant Burge Wines 2012 Berryfield (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $23 (Australia)
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: December 7th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Cherry and pepper galore on the nose of this Barossa Valley Shiraz with light menthol and oak aromas supported. This balanced combo carries through to the dry-yet-juicy, mouth-watering palate where the spices become more prominent on the moderate finish. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Chris Ringland Wines 2012 Barossa Shiraz - 89pts

Chris Ringland Wines 2012 Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited
Cost: $25 (Australia)
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: December 5th, 2014

Tasting Notes: Fruit-forward, chewy and bursting with flavour, this Shiraz leans towards the 'too much' end of the residual sugar spectrum, but its proportioned acidity and mannered, fine tannins keep it balanced and allows the drinker to appreciate the layers of blackberry and cherry fruit complimented by eucalyptus and pepper on the nose and palate. Drink 2014-2017.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Two Hands Wines 2012 Angel's Share Shiraz - 90pts

Two Hands Wines 2012 Angel's Share Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores, Costco (Washington State)
Cost: $40 (BC), $25 (WA)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: December 4th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A cherry-cola'n'spice fuelled beauty from McLaren Vale with complimentary sweet and savoury aromas on the intense, layered nose. This 'big boy' Shiraz (mostly) handles its substantial residual alcohol (15.2%) thanks to intense, cherry and raspberry fruit flavours, a touch of residual sugar and savoury licorice and oak characters which create a rich texture to support the alcohol through to a long, spicy finish. Drink 2014-2019.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Two Hands Wines 2013 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz - 91pts

Two Hands Wines 2013 Gnarly Dudes Shiraz (Barossa Valley) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores, Costco (Washington State)
Cost: $40 (BC), $25 (WA)
Alcohol: 14.2%
Date Tasted: December 3rd, 2014

Tasting Notes: Dense, intense and... well, gnarly. Blackberry purée, maraschino cherry, menthol, mild cured meats, spicy dark chocolate, hot tar and sweet vanilla oak aromas grace the quaff-able nose. A wine for folks who crave a chewy, tannic palate with dense, dark red fruit, Christmas cake spice and mouth watering acidity - classic Barossa Shiraz. Drink 2014-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Angove Family Winemakers 2012 Chalk Hill Blue Shiraz-Cabernet - 86pts

Angove Family Winemakers 2012 Chalk Hill Blue Shiraz-Cabernet (South Australia) Australia

Availability: Private wine shops like Everything Wine
Cost: $14-16
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: February 20th, 2014

Tasting Notes: A well-made, entry-level, Shiraz-Cabernet blend sourced from multiple South Australia sub-regions and vineyards that veers towards the sweet red wine cliff with 4g\l of residual sugar but just backs off in time thanks to ample acidity and a tangy mouth feel. Cassis, cherry-cola and spicy plum aromas and flavours dominate with supporting oak and cooking spice notes rounding out the consistent nose and palate. Tannins are mild but the overall balance is good and very food-friendly - think savoury appetizers or a desert plate of dark chocolate and raspberries. Best enjoyed in its youth. Drink now-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz - 90pts

Wolf Blass Wines 2008 Grey Label Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Signature stores
Cost: $30-35
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2014

Tasting Notes: From the cellar. Intense, dark cherry, dark cocoa, cardamon and peppercorn aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. With time to breath, more layers of cedar and light eucalyptus notes appear and add depth. The equally intense palate follows with sharp acidity, mannered fine tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract flavours. The finish is mouth-watering and oaky with residual cherry puree and anise notes lingering moderately.

Having been sealed with a Stelvin cap enclosure, there are many years left for this intense Shiraz to mature further and mellow. Drink now-2018.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz - 88pts

Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz (South Australia) Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $20-28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Date Tasted: August 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Intense, biting dark cherry and black pepper aromas pounce on your nose when you bring it to within a few inches from the glass. When your nose adjusts to the intensity, you'll find more layers of cardamon, cedar and light eucalyptus notes to enjoy before moving on to the equally intense, modern Australian Shiraz palate: sharp acidity, moderate tannins, peppercorn puree and powerful, dark cherry extract. Finesse and elegance are not on offer here, but what it does, it does well. Enjoy with grilled meats over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2013-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Yalumba 2008 FDR1A - 91pts

Yalumba 2008 FDR1A (Eden Valley) Barossa Valley - South Australia - Australia

Availability: Special order from BCLDB, Private Wine Shops
Cost: $30-40
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: July 29th, 2013

Tasting Notes: Irresistibly intense, classic Aussie Cabernet-Shiraz aromas of eucalyptus and cherry-cola leap from the glass and tickle your nostrils while vanilla, oak spice and plum notes add complexity. Equally intense on the palate with a similar flavour profile and enhanced toasted oak elements adding a nice structure of tannins supporting the concentrated fruit and acidic kick. Finish is balanced but too short.

Approaching its ideal drinking window, though, is tasting great today if you can't wait another year. Drink 2014-2020.
  - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2013 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D - 88pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 The Maitre D (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $35.99
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Classic Aussie Cab aromas of eucalyptus, menthol and ripe cassis fruit on the expressive, sweet'n'sour nose. Good continuity brings the aromas through to the dry palate that impresses with moderate weight and an even balance of concentrated dark fruit flavours and bright acidity. Finish is a bit short for the price point, but a good showing overall. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer - 90pts

Mollydooker Wines 2010 The Boxer (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $36.99
Alcohol: 16%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: This is a big, in-your-face Aussie Shiraz that manages to tread the perilous fence between overdone and subdued power leaning slightly towards the side of subdued. Ultra ripe dark fruit and pepper spice aromas are carried through to the massive palate with licorice and mocha flavours adding complexity. Pair with tangy BBQ steaks but leave time to quaff the gorgeous, warm nose. Drink now-2016.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Enchanted Path - 93pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Enchanted Path (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $100-110
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: Enchanted Path is Mollydooker's elite Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blend which uses fruit grown on the winery's Gateway and Prime vineyards in McLaren Vale.  Barrel fermented and then aged in American (97%) and French (3%) oak, the final blend is a 66/34% split of Shiraz to Cabernet. The wine delivers classic characteristics of both varieties with the dark cassis fruit and eucalyptus from the Cab complimenting the spicy red fruit from the Shiraz. Fine tannins structure the blend very well and their controlled robustness suggests further development with another year or two of bottle aging. Drink 2013-2020.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love - 94-95pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Carnival of Love (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $100-110
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: When compared to the winery's iconic Velvet Glove, the Carnival of Love shiraz is a bit more attention seeking and blatantly superb. The Avis rental cars of elite level Shiraz - it has to try a little harder. This effort tends to make it, again comparatively, a better bargain than the aforementioned icon wine, delivering most of the refinement and all, if not more, of the concentration and pure expression of fruit. A trophy wine to be sure, but one you're likely to actually open. Drink Now-2020+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

On a side note: If you stand a bottle of Carnival of Love next to its cousin, the Enchanted Path, the two labels make one complete design linking the stories of all the Mollydooker wines together.

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove - 95-96pts

Mollydooker Wines 2009 Velvet Glove (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: Limited. BCLDB and Private wine shops
Cost: $250
Alcohol: 15.5%
Date Tasted: March 21st, 2012

Tasting Notes: For a truly iconic and cellar worthy wine, the Velvet Glove Shiraz is surprisingly approachable in its youth. The massive concentration is so well refined and balanced that just a drop on your tongue will express enough character for you to remember that moment forever. The sweet plum fruit opulence and silky smooth texture is described by the winemaking team as "fruit weight" for which they award it a near perfect score. Whatever the language used, this wine sits in your mouth like it was destined to be there. The finish goes on and on with complex layers of fruit and savoury flavours. Drink now-2024+.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Wolf Blass Wines 2009 Yellow Label Riesling - 85pts

Wolf Blass Wines 2009 Yellow Label Riesling (South Australia) Australia

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $12-15
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 14th, 2012

Tasting Notes: This gold-hued, dry and quite tart Riesling from South Australia makes a fine addition to any dinner which requires a refreshing white wine to complete the appropriate pairing. Granny Smith apples, lemon/lime and apricot characters mingle nicely with a touch of minerality in the straight-forward presentation. The finish is a bit short and tart, lacking the complexity of more accomplished Rieslings. Drink now-2013.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Gemtree Vineyards 2009 Bloodstone Shiraz - 88pts

Gemtree Vineyards 2009 Bloodstone Shiraz (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $15.99
Alcohol: 14%
Date Tasted: February 6th, 2012

Tasting Notes: A nice change from the standard in-your-face fruit-bomb intensity that you may have grown accustomed to from Aussie Shiraz. This McLaren Vale product has an appealing nose of sweet cherry fruit, menthol and mineral notes but it is the intriguingly moderate and terroir-driven palate that makes this a wine worth seeking out. This middleweight, masculine Shiraz offers blackberry, sour cherry, rhubarb and oak flavours with loads of savoury spice making the most memorable impression. Mineral characters float behind the spice and fruit suggesting the winemakers wanted to express more than ultra-ripe fruit with this wine. Drink now-2014.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca

Mitolo Wines 2009 Jester - 90pts

Mitolo Wines 2009 Jester (McLaren Vale) South Australia - Australia

Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $25
Alcohol: 14.9%
Date Tasted: January 29th, 2012

Tasting Notes: Aged in 2nd, 3rd and 4th fill French oak for only 9 months, this potent Shiraz seems to get most of its character and tannin bite directly from the sunny, dry McLaren Vale vineyards. This makes for a more approachable wine than many of its high tannin, overly oaked, down-under cousins, though the expected intensity is still present. Produced by Ben Glaetzer for Mitolo Wines, the wine offers some classic Aussie Shiraz notes of cherry-cola, blackberry, eucalyptus, anise and pepper with a finish that is long and well balanced. Drink 2012-2015.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2012 IconWines.ca