2006 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz Padthaway (Elsewhere $50)

92 points in the Wine Advocate: "The 2006 Henry’s Drive Reserve Shiraz was sourced from a single parcel surrounded by eucalyptus trees. It was barrel-fermented and spent 18 months in a mix of French and American oak, 80% new. Opaque purple-colored, it has a mint-accented bouquet suggestive of the 1979 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Napa Cabernet. In addition, aromas of violets, cocoa, cigar box, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur make their presence known. Glossy on the palate, it has layers of spicy blue and black fruits, ripe tannin, and excellent balance. What it may lack in complexity, it makes up for with in-your-face pure pleasure. While it may evolve for a few years, there is no reason to defer gratification." (Feb 09) 94 points from James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion: "A deep, dark and concentrated shiraz; mulberry and fruitcake layered by toasty oak; medium-bodied, vibrant, juicy and fine on the long and ample finish. Cork." (Mar 08) "I find that the 2006 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz is more poised and focused than the 2005. Sourced from a single vineyard in Padthaway, it shows classic Limestone Coast fruit with hints of a ferrous note combining with mocha, blue and blackberry, cedar, sandlewood and a dash of eucalyptus. On the palate, the wine has very good balance with fine integrated tannins and a creamy vanilla layer that unfolds into a fine finish." Jim Chanteloup K&L Australian Wine Buyer.