2008 Gemtree "Uncut" Shiraz Mclaren Vale South Australia (Elsewhere $22)

91 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2008 Uncut Shiraz spent 16 months in 100% new, predominantly French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. Captivating aromas of sandalwood, smoked meat, incense, lavender, blueberry, and chocolate lead to a layered, full-bodied, succulent Shiraz with excellent grip and length. Enjoy this pleasure-bent effort over the next 8-10 years." 95 points James Halliday's Wine Companion: "Deep, dense colour; regional licorice and dark chocolate overtones to the blackberry fruit of the bouquet leap from the glass, the medium- to full-bodied palate providing more of the same, with 16 months in French oak doing little more than rounding off the tannins." As I've said before, from the first time I tasted the wines from Gemtree, they have shown impressively for their quality and value. They are also leading the way with organic/biodynamic viticulture and are sponsoring the "greening" of Australia with their donations, and have been noted by James Halliday as one of the "dark horse" Australian wineries.This wine that is unfined and unfiltered is sourced from a 40 year old vineyard on Tatty Road Block in McLaren Vale that displays a nose of dark plum, blueberry, black berry, licorice and notes of mocha and toffee. On the palate, the wine shows classic McLaren Vale acidity with seamless balance, fine silky tannins, a juicy mouth-feel, and very fine length. This is a superb wine at a knockout price. (Jim Chanteloup)