2006 Cape Barren Wines GSM Native Goose McLaren Vale
($24) Bright red. Suave red berry aromas, with fresh floral accents adding a sexy touch. Juicy raspberry and bitter rhubarb flavors are framed by fresh acidity but turn a touch dry on the back. The rather taut, linear finish displays a tangy, peppery character to complement jammy red berries.
2005 Cape Barren Wines Shiraz Native Goose McLaren Vale
($24) Ruby-red. Jammy raspberry and blackberry aromas suggest grenache more than shiraz, with a fresh floral note adding vibrancy. Juicy and packed with sweet red fruit flavors on a light, elegant frame, with gentle acidity and no obvious tannins. This bright, expressive fruit bomb is carrying no excess fat. Fans of New World pinot ought to give this a try.
2005 Cape Barren Wines Shiraz Old Vine McLaren Vale
($32) Youthful saturated ruby. Explosively perfumed aromas of vibrant blackberry, boysenberry, vanilla, Asian spices and violet are deepened by espresso and licorice. Deep and fleshy, with vivid dark berry and kirsch flavors and floral pastille and mocha accents. Spicy oak carries through the long, broad finish. The fruit here is more than up to the oak: I'd stash this away for at least five more years. (Click Wine Group, Seattle, WA)
