Also recommended: 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale (85).
Other wines tasted: 2005 Merlot McLaren Vale. (The Ravensvale Group, Naples, FL)
2005 Shottesbrooke Vineyards Shiraz McLaren Vale
($23) Ruby-red. Seductively aromatic redcurrant, raspberry and blueberry aromas accented by graphite, exotic vanilla and clove. The oak is suavely woven into the fresh dark berry flavors and helps to sweeten rather than overwhelm the palate. Juicy dark berry and cherry fruit flavors carry through the long, energetic finish. Impressively pure, expressive and utterly seductive.
2005 Shottesbrooke Vineyards The Proprietor McLaren Vale
($39; 80% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot and 5% malbec) Dark red. Classic cabernet nose features slightly weedy red- and blackcurrant, cherry and mint. Sweet dark berry flavors are youthfully taut but air brings up riper, sweeter notes. The finish is a touch abrupt today, no doubt a function of the wine's youth. My bottle gained deep, spicy blackberry fruit with extensive aeration while maintaining energy and focus.
2005 Shottesbrooke Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Punch McLaren Vale
($39) Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of vibrant cherry and candied plum, underscored by energetic mineral and floral notes; textbook New World cabernet with considerable elegance. The fresh red berry and cherry flavors show a pleasing bitter tone, with zesty acidity giving energy. Finishes fresh and incisive, with outstanding persistence.
2005 Shottesbrooke Vineyards Shiraz Eliza McLaren Vale
($39) Bright purple. Blackcurrant and blueberry on the nose, with strong vanillin oak and clove notes. Lush, sweet and broad, with jammy dark berry flavors and sweet vanillin oak accents. Finishes sweet and long. As strong as the material obviously is, I notice the oak tones more than I'd like to, even taking into account that this is very young.
