Wine Along The 101
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    • 2023 Articles >
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour 2022, A Brief Look at the Complex World of Italian Wine
      • A Night of Sicilian Wine, Spotlighting Cambria and Madaudo Wineries
      • Yealands Wines, “Think Boldly, Tread Lightly”, Leading the World Toward Sustainable Winemaking
    • 2022 Articles >
      • Further Defining the Single Vineyard Cru Wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, the Rise of the MGA
      • The Barolo Cru Wines of Beni di Batasiolo
      • Pyros Wines Sparks World-Class Malbec
      • AlloraVino Imports, a Love Affair with Italian Wine
      • Maisons Marques & Domaines Wine Portfolio: Prestige, Glamour and Good Taste for the Holidays
      • The Original Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a Condiment and a Culture
      • Rocca delle Macìe, Taking Chianti Classico to New Heights
      • Alluring and Iconic, The World of Chianti Wines
      • Paso Robles Weaves a Thrilling Tapestry of World-Class Wine
      • LXV Wines, The Spice of Paso Robles
      • The Mouthwatering Sauvignon Blancs of Chile
      • The Wines of Portugal, Discover a World of Difference
      • Domaines Albert Bichot, An Exceptional Approach to Burgundian Wine
      • The Wines of Abruzzo Undergo a Renaissance of Quality
      • Ketcham Estate, Exceptional Wines From The Heart of the Russian River Valley
      • La Rioja Alta, S.A., Innovation and Tradition That Stands the Test of Time
      • Vega Sicilia Celebrates 40 Years of Winemaking Excellence
      • Planeta of Sicily Embraces the Past While Reaching For the Future
      • The Spirit of Renaissance is Alive and Well in “South of Somewhere”
      • Gambero Rosso Returns to LA, With the Best of Italian Wines
      • Falanghina and Aglianico del Taburno, Sannio's Ancient Wine Stars
      • Tablas Creek Vineyard Embraces Regenerative Organic Farming
    • 2021 Articles >
      • Make Merry With Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Wines
      • Discover These Enchanting Italian Wines, From the Fog of Piedmont to the Island Breezes of Sardinia
      • Rodney Strong Vineyards and Winery, Revitalizing an Iconic Brand
      • Thanksgiving Tips for the Best Wine and Food Pairing
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wine Country Oasis
      • Escape to Paso Robles, a Wonderland of Wine
      • Smith-Madrone Wines, a Napa Valley Pioneer Celebrates Fifty Years of Excellence
      • Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Land of Pinot Noir
      • Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, Exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Southern Oregon
      • BARRA of Mendocino Wines, an Original Organic Wine Play
      • The Opulent and Thrilling Wines of Denner Vineyards
      • L’Ecole No. 41, Expressive Wines That Pass the Test of Time With Flying Colors
      • France's Loire Valley, a Fairytale Land of Storybook Castles and Magical Wines
      • Craft Wine, Shining the Spotlight on America’s Small Wine Producers
    • 2020 Articles >
      • Margerum Wine Company, the Nexus of Sublime Santa Barbara County Wines
      • Catena Zapata, Malbec on High
      • Long Meadow Ranch, the Circle of Life in a Glass of Wine
      • Fontanafredda Barolo Forges a New Future
      • Bordeaux Wine 2017, Surprises in a Challenging Vintage
    • 2019 Articles >
      • The Rising Wine Country of Southern Oregon's Rogue Valley
      • Discover Ashland and the Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon's Serenade to the Good Life
      • Napa Valley Grille, New Fall Menu Paired with European Wines
      • Embrace Your Wine Geek with PRIE Winery & Vineyards
      • Castello di Albola, Chianti Classico on High
      • Nicolas-Jay Wines, the Journey of a Lifetime
      • The Expanding Complexity of New Zealand Wine
      • Prosecco DOC, Splendor in the Glass
      • On the Oregon Wine Trail
      • Albariño and Rioja Star in Spain’s Great Match
      • Exciting and Eclectic, the Wines of Alentejo
      • Blaufränkisch Propels the Red Wines of Austria Into the Spotlight
      • Fascinating Greek Wines of the Cava Spiliadis Collection
      • Revolution In Rioja Wine
    • 2018 Articles >
      • Temecula Valley Celebrates 50 Years of Winemaking
      • The Stellar Wines of Sardinia
      • Italian Wines Prescribed by Doctor Wine
      • The Alluring Wines of Tunisia
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2018
      • Velenosi Wines, From Le Marche to the World
      • Sauvignon Blanc, a Rising Star in Napa Valley
      • Frank Family Vineyards Celebrates 25 Years
      • Markus Wine Co., Sleek New Red Wines Up the Ante for Lodi Reds
      • Lodi Wine, Over 100 Varieties Strong
      • Ramona Valley Wine Country, an Up and Coming Wine Region
      • Hertelendy Vineyards, the Pursuit of Excellence
      • Napa Valley Wine, Nirvana in a Bottle
      • Wine Stroll: Explore Downtown Paso Robles Wineries
      • The Beautiful Shades of Lodi Rosé Wines
      • Doubling Down on Gold Medal Wines: The San Francisco International Wine Competition
      • The Exotic Wines of Lebanon
      • Australian Wines, Rediscover the New Frontier
      • New Zealand Wines, Expanding beyond Sauvignon Blanc
      • Visit France in 2018, a Feast of Food, Wine, Culture and History
      • Bordeaux Wine 2015, A Very Good Year
      • Portugal's Treasure Chest of Wines
      • Livermore Valley, California’s Original Wine Country Reborn
      • Concannon and Wente Vineyards, California’s Pioneers of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay
      • Livermore Valley Wine Country, the Future Looks Bright
    • 2017 Articles >
      • Viña Ardanza Rioja Turns 75, an Enchanting Wine Gets Even Better
      • The VIP Sparkle of Prosecco Superiore
      • Lodi Wine Country, Seriously Good Wine From A to Z
      • Lodi Wine Country, Old Vines and Great Wines
      • Lodi Wine Country, Winegrowers and Winemakers Focused on the Future
      • Lugana White Wine, Better With Age
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip to LA
      • Sweetzer Cellars, a Life Changing Journey of Wine
      • Lugana and Valpolicella, the Yin and Yang of the Veneto
      • Three R’s of Summer Wine, Rosé, Riesling, and Ramato
      • Familia Martínez Bujanda, Wines Without Borders
      • Codorníu Cava, the Ars and Anna Collection
      • New and Exciting Wines from the 2017 Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration
      • Sensual Delights on Display at Savor Italy Los Angeles
      • Pizza and Franco Pepe, Italy’s Best Comes to LA
      • Montes Wines, Wisdom in Wine From Father to Son
      • Passionate Pinot Noir Lovers Unite at the 2017 World of Pinot
      • Vignalta, Wines of the Highest Order
      • Santa Lucia Highlands Sensational Wines
      • Gambero Rosso’s Top Italian Wines for 2017
      • Law Estate Wines: Quality by Design
      • Taittinger and Calvisius: Champagne and Caviar Dreams
      • Riding High on American Rhone Wines, The Rhone Rangers LA Tasting
      • Discover Monterey Wine Country, wine and so much more
      • Wines of Portugal, the Perfect Dinner Companion
      • Gruet's Enchanting Sparkling Wines
    • 2016 Articles >
      • The Art of Italian Living, SoCal Style
      • Wines of Alsace: Perfect for the Holidays
      • Oso Libre Winery; Vines, Wines, and Angus Beef
      • Best Wines for Thanksgiving
      • Simply Italian Great Wines US Tour Sweeps Through Los Angeles
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Chardonnay
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Pinot Noir
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Rhône Varietals
      • Santa Barbara Winemakers Road Trip: Bordeaux Varietals
      • Achaval-Ferrer, Exceptional Wines from Argentina
      • Celebration of Harvest Grand Tasting 2016 Highlights
      • The Celebrity Sparkle of Ferrari Trento Wines
      • Santa Barbara Wine Country’s Celebration of Harvest 2016
      • The Garagiste Festival, Off the Beaten Path Wines
      • Explore SLO Wine Country, Central California’s Hidden Gem
      • Byron Winery, The Grand Pinot Noir Experiment
      • Crocker & Starr Wines, Organically Elegant
      • Escape to Santa Maria Wine Country
      • The Elegant White Wines of Domäne Wachau
      • Champagne Palmer: The New Champagne on the Block
      • Holman Ranch & Vineyards: Making Memories & Wine at Romantic California Hideaway
      • Luminous Wines of France's Loire Valley
    • Examiner.com Articles >
      • Alma Rosa Winery & Vineyards: Wines Without Compromise
      • All Stars of Pinot Noir Rock the 2016 World of Pinot
      • Ampelos Wines' Biodynamic Brilliance
      • Artisan Uprising: Blood Into Wine
      • Bodegas Beronia Rioja: The Magic of Oak
      • Crawford Family Wines: Unlocking Varietal Flavor
      • Dolin Malibu Estate Vineyards' Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs Shine Bright
      • Hahn Family Wines: Santa Lucia Highlands' Sweet Spot
      • Kimmel Vineyards: Good Wine Flows from Challenging Times
      • Larner Vineyard: Sweet Spot for Syrah and Grenache
      • LOCA for Lodi Wine
      • Lompoc Wine Ghetto
      • Sanford Winery & Vineyards, Delicious Wines That Tell a Tale
      • The Diverse and Divine Wines of Santa Barbara County
      • Santa Barbara Urban Wine Trail
      • The Stellar Wines of California's Sta. Rita Hills
      • Skinner Vineyards, Destiny and Determination
      • Wines of Portugal, The Art of the Blend
  • Wine Reviews
    • The Dynamic Lavico Etna Wines of Duca di Salaparuta
    • The Sangiovese Stars of San Felice Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, in Can and Bottle
    • Coen Malbec Reserve 2019, a New World Wine with Old World Sensibilities
    • Sangre de Toro Rosé, A Light and Bright Summer Thirst Quencher
    • Summer and Sauvignon Blanc, Lucky Rock Wine Co. Style
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2019
    • Monte Velho, Fascinating Wines and Value-Priced
    • Grassl Glasses Add Depth to Wine Enjoyment
    • Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut Makes Everyday a Holiday
    • Festive Ferrari Trento Sparkling Wines For All Occasions
    • Bodegas CARO, the Best of Both Worlds
    • Kosher Wines For the Jewish High Holidays Are Highly Recommended Anytime of Year
    • Oak Farm Vineyards, a Rainbow of Delicious Lodi Wines
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2019
    • Ron Rubin Wines, The Dream Series
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. County Cuvée Pinot Noir 2018
    • Lucky Rock Wine Co. Sauvignon Blanc 2018
    • Crus Bourgeois Bordeaux, Expressive Wines at Everyday Prices
    • Légende Collection of Bordeaux Wines
    • Five Contemporary California Wines To Try
    • Alternative Sparkling Wines For a Celebration
    • A Toast to Prosecco Superiore
    • Celebrate with this Pair of Spanish Red Wines
    • A Quartet of Summer Red Wines
    • Spanish Albariño, a Wine For All Seasons
    • Ciù Ciù Wines, Quality That Shines Through
    • A Trio of Red Wines for Holiday Merrymaking
    • Terre de la Custodia Montefalco Rosso 2012
    • The Sultry Arnaldo Caprai Collepiano Montefalco Sagrantino
    • Pop the Cork on Charles Heidsieck Champagne and Bisol Prosecco
    • Garnacha Wines from DOP Cariñena, Beautiful Bang for the Buck
    • A Pair of Greek Wines for a Spring Feast
    • A Dynamic Duo of Sassy Spanish White Wines
    • Anderra Carménere
    • Artesa Chardonnay/Pinot Noir
    • Avignonesi Grandi Annate
    • Château Saint-Maur Rosé
    • La Miranda de Secastilla, Old Vine Garnacha Gems
    • Intriguing Israeli Wines
    • Leviathan
    • Domaines Paul Mas Wines Trio
    • Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, intensely refreshing and delicious
    • Perticaia Trebbiano Spoletino
    • Stay Cool With These Two Charming White Wines
  • Events
    • Garagiste Wine Festival: Urban Exposure 2022 Highlights Hidden California Wine Gems
    • Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival 2019
    • World of Pinot Noir 2019, A Magical Mystery Tour
    • Journey to Planet Pinot at the 2018 World of Pinot Noir
    • Great Wines of Italy Comes to LA
    • Wine Along the Beach at Garagiste Wine Festival 2017
    • Santa Barbara Vintners Spring Weekend Celebration 2017
    • Orbit the World of Pinot Noir at the 2017 World of Pinot
    • Rhone Rangers Los Angeles 2016
  • Wine Travel
  • Videos
    • Celebration of Harvest
    • Feliz Noche Wines
    • Terravant Custom Crush
    • Que Syrah, Shiraz!
    • Paso Robles Wine Festival
    • L'Aventure Syrah Harvest
    • Clos Pepe's Prince of Pinot
  • Photos
  • Who We Are
    • About Patricia Decker
    • About Fabian Rodriguez
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Australian wines, bold and sassy, intense and delightful, are staging a comeback.  Their wine industry is rebounding from a rough patch over a decade ago, when Australia couldn’t catch a break, between natural disasters, bulk wine overproduction, foreign ownership of iconic brands, and the 2008 global recession.  Producers have tinkered with the once popular fruit bombs, creating a leaner, less oaky, more balanced style of wine that consumers crave, all the while defining their appellations and refining their winemaking.  Today, it’s a new frontier for Australian winemaking, reinventing classic wines and creating new wines with personality plus.  Aussie exuberance is infectious and times are looking up, as wine lovers re-discover the beauty and diversity of Australian wines, from the elegant Margaret River Chardonnays to the ripe and nuanced Barossa Shirazs.
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Lenswood vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, Courtesy of Henschke
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Courtesy of Wine Australia
Australia is sometimes considered the world’s largest island, yet is the smallest continent.  Wine grapes can only be grown on the outer fringes, where the climate is more moderate.  There are 65 wine regions, including Tasmania, with most clustered around the southeastern coasts, from the cool climate Adelaide Hills, to the warmer Hunter Valley.  Rich in old vines and 200 years of wine making history, Shiraz still is the signature grape, although a wide array of varietals, red and white, are grown in the different terrains, from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon.
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The Australia Up Close roadshow, sponsored by Wine Australia, showed off the impressive range of varietals and styles that make up Australian wine.  Over 60 brands were poured at a trade tasting at Hudson Loft, reminding wine merchants, restaurateurs, and writers what is so deeply satisfying about Aussie wines. There is no denying the fierce charm that these wines display, a primal ripe bond with the earth that is woven into the tapestry of aromas and flavors.  But yet the white wines are elegant and surprising, with a freshness that is so inviting.  It seems that many Australian wines have colorful nicknames that have an uniquely Australian spin, and seemingly nothing to do with vineyards, soils, or grapes.  Between “Old Bastard”, “The Laughing Magpie” and “Ladies Who Shoot Their Lunch”, wine labels are highly entertaining, including “The Old Bloke & The 3 Young Blondes”.  But most importantly, Australia is producing many fascinating wines, made from some of the oldest own-rooted vines in the world, many crafted by multi-generational wine producing families in business for over 150 years, considered “Australia’s First Families of Wine”.
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Matt Lane of Torbreck Vintners
Matt Lane of Torbreck Vintners explained how extraordinary old vines are, they’re self-regulating, adapting themselves to environmental changes and conserving their energy through temperature extremes and drought.  He related that Torbreck’s focus “is to find some of the oldest genetic vineyards in the Barossa Valley, either nurture them back to health, or make wines from those vineyards where that vine has been there for over 100 years.”  With soils that range from 200-700 million years old, and some of the oldest vineyards in the world, those of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvedre, Semillon and Riesling, along with the combination of over 180 years of winemaking history, it’s easy to see how exceptional many of these Australian wines are.
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Bruce Tyrrell of Tyrell's Wines
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(L-R) Kyle Meyer, Matt Kaner, Bruce Tyrrell, Fahara Zamorano, Jeff McWilliam, Jeff Burch, Mark Davidson
The exciting expansion into white wines was explored in a seminar and panel discussion, “White Wines: Unique Expressions of Australian Riesling, Semillon, and Chardonnay”, which illustrated how these wine grape varietals differ from producer and region, such as Chardonnay, ranging from lean to lavish.  The panelists included Bruce Tyrell of Tyrell’s Wines, Jeff Burch of Howard Park Wines, Matt Kaner of Bar Covell & Augustine Wine Bars in LA, Jeff McWilliam of McWilliam’s Wines, Kyle Meyer of the Wine Exchange, and Fahara Zamorano, head sommelier of Gwen which was led by moderator Mark Davidson.  Twelve wines were poured, four of each varietal, from either different producers or regions, and compared and contrasted.  For Semillon, I found that Tyrrell’s “Vat 1” Hunter Valley Semillon 2011 had great presence, with mouthwatering aromas, honeysuckle on the nose, ripe citrus and richness on the palate, a viscose yet crisp wine with a persistent finish, still a youngster according to Bruce Tyrrell, but so very impressive.  For Riesling, two slightly different styles offered what the grape is known for, the Pewsey Vale “The Contours” Eden Valley Riesling 2011 was smoky and mineral, with layers of flavor, while the Frankland Estate “Isolation Ridge” Frankland River Riesling 2015 was floral, with green apple and crisp acidity.  For Chardonnay, McWilliam’s “842” Tumbarumba Chardonnay 2013 was a well balanced and integrated wine, with intense, upfront fruit and minerality within an oak frame, a wine that has huge appeal.
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(L-R) Managing Director Dylan Fairweather and Export Director Justin Fairweather of Alpha Box & Dice wines
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Highlights from the general tasting include these wines:
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The smooth and intense red wines of Yarra Yering: 
    Yarra Yering “Dry Red No. 1” Yarra Valley Cabernet Sauvignon/Petit Verdot/Malbec 2010
    Yarra Yering “Dry Red No. 2” Yarra Valley Shiraz/Viognier/Marsanne 2010
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Kaesler “Old Bastard” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013 - smooth and intense, the finish goes on forever
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Langmeil “Orphan Bank” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 - made from fruit of an average of 95 year old vines
​Langmeil “The Freedom” 1843 Shiraz 2015 - The Freedom vineyard, planted in 1843, is the oldest Shiraz vineyard in the world
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Alpha Box & Dice craft contemporary styled wines, fresh and delicious, outside the box experimental blends and styles representing each letter of the alphabet: 
    Alpha Box & Dice “Zaptung” South Australia Glera NV
    Alpha Box & Dice “Golden Mullet Fury” McLaren Vale Semillon Viognier 2015 - cofermented, incredible aromas and flavors
    Alpha Box & Dice “Tarot” McLaren Vale Grenache 2016 - Death Card stands for rejuvenation, fresh wine with a long finish
    Alpha Box & Dice “Blood of Jupiter” Barossa McLaren Vale Sangiovese Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 - pretty, lip-smacking good
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Torbreck Vintners is dedicated to Rhône style red and white wines, producing deeply flavored Shiraz wines from the Barossa Valley:
    Torbreck Vintners “The Struie” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 - aromatic and dense, with dark fruit and spice, lavender floral
     notes, and olive.

    Torbreck Vintners “The Factor” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2009 - rich and textured, dark fruit and pepper are interwoven with savory  
    notes of olive, leather, and minerals

    Torbreck Vintners “Runrig”  Barossa Valley Shiraz Viognier 2013 - powerful, rich and robust, fragrant and structured in the
    tradition of France’s Côte Rôtie, their signature wine
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Penfolds may be best known for their legendary Grange wine, but their wines are made to a style, succulent and subtle, bright and structured:
    Penfolds “Bin 28” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2014 - bright and balanced, with good acidity and structure 
    Penfolds “RWT” Barossa Valley Shiraz 2013 - opulent, stylish and alluring, an incredible wine
From Australia’s First Families of Wine, twelve families whose iconic brands have distinguished Australian wine:
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Brown Brothers, best of the best are the “Patricia” wines, named for their grandmother, and not made every year, since they better be “bloody good”, from Sparkling Brut to Noble Riesling, and the flagship unusual red blend:
    Brown Brothers “Patricia” King Valley Sparkling Brut 2010
    Brown Brothers “Patricia” Tasmania Chardonnay 2012
    Brown Brothers King Valley Shiraz Mondeuse Cabernet Franc 2008
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Susie Campbell of Campbells of Rutherglen wines
Campbells of Rutherglen, known for their “stickies” or sweet wines, two standouts that have enough acidity to balance out the sweetness, plus one dry red wine:
    Campbells Rutherglen Muscat NV - very different in that it’s from the red Muscat Petits Grains grape, round and yummy
    Campbells “Merchant Prince Rare” Rutherglen Muscat NV - average age 20 years old, incredible
    Campbells Rutherglen Durif 2013 - youthful, but elegant and balanced dry red wine
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d’Arenberg is perhaps the best known winery, producing over 66 wines with its distinctive diagonal red stripe across the label, organic/biodynamic certified, small batch winemaking, basket press of grapes, and foot tread during fermentation:
    d’Arenberg “The Old Bloke & The 3 Young Blondes” McLaren Vale Shiraz Roussanne Viognier Marsanne 2011 - the name
    refers to the grape varietals, Old Bloke is the Shiraz from 100-year-old vines, the 3 young blondes refer to the three white Rhône
    varietals (Viognier, Roussanne, and Marsanne), an exotic and fragrant wine, with earth and spice notes, layered and complex
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Henschke are sixth generation winemakers, producing noteworthy red and white wines from iconic vineyards in Eden Valley, Adelaide Hills, and Barossa Valley:
    Henschke “Keyneton Euphonium” Barossa Valley Eden Valley Red Blend 2013 - smooth and delicious
    Henschke “Henry’s Seven” Barossa Shiraz Grenache Viognier 2015 - aromatic and bright
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Jim Barry Wines, a pioneer of Australian table wine, family owned and operated, with a focus on high quality estate fruit from Clare Valley:
    Jim Barry “McRae Wood” Clare Valley Shiraz 2012 - intense with depth of flavor, vibrant acidity, and fine tannins
    Jim Barry “The Armagh” Clare Valley Shiraz 2012 - a big ageworthy wine, powerful and concentrated, a grand expression of dark
    fruit, espresso, licorice, dried herbs, and toasty mocha notes
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These premium Australian wines are stunning in their depth and complexity, well integrated in their alcohol and acidity.  Shiraz is unlike any other Syrah wine in the world, brooding beauties that haunt your palate with a forever finish.  Although many of the powerful single vineyard wines are more expensive, their unique expression makes them worth every dollar.  The mid-priced wines are quite distinct, and the evolution of white wines and a lighter touch in winemaking is making this an exciting time to rediscover the wines of Australia.