The 2004 California-Australia Shootout
Overview(ranked by score)
Howard Park 2001 Leston Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia, $19.99
1,384 cases produced
Lots of tannins surround the red tangy fruit. Some black cherry and leather on the finish.
(79.4)
Angove’s 2003 Riesling, Clare Valley, Australia, $19.00
1,800 cases produced
The diesel notes in the nose are welcome notes in any Riesling. The finish has nice acid with lemon and lime notes. It’s the middle mouth that disappoints – just not enough fruit.
(79)
Clautiere Vineyard 2002 Syrah, Paso Robles, California, $24.00
699 cases produced
Very fruity with cola accents.
(79)
McLaren Vale III Associates 2000 Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia, $32.95
11,565 cases produced
The nose is muted with barnyard notes and flavors of cooked fruit. Drink now! This wine is aging quickly.
(79)
Red Knot 2003 Davey Family Vineyard Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia, $12.00
5,600 cases produced
Menthol over bright red fruit and hints of spice on the nose and in the mouth. A trace of green fruit and high alcohol detract from the other attributes of this wine.
(79)
Row Eleven 2002 RDLR Syrah, Mendocino
Less than 2,800 cases produced
Sweet geranium on the nose. Super soft and supple…deep black cherry and black plum flavors
(79)
Carmenet 2001 Cellar Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, California, $9.00
30,000 cases produced
A soft and simple wine. Sweet red cherry fruit on the nose and on the palate, drinkable now.
(78.8)
De Bortoli 2001 Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, $29.99
6,000 cases produced
The nose is interesting showing sweet candied apple, coffee and red cherry with smoky and cola notes. The wine is angular with prominent acids that carry through the finish.
(78)
Frei Brothers Reserve 2002 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, California, $24.00
29,000 cases produced
A bright cherry nose invites you to taste this wine and dive into its full throttle intensity. The finish disappoints with tartness and heat.
(78)
Glendonbrook 2002 Shiraz, Hunter/Mudgee, Australia, $15.00
1,000 cases produced
The nose is yeasty with hints of mint and barnyard. A simple and lean wine.
(78)
Penfolds 2002 Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet, South Australia, $11.00
Aromas of blackberry with mild white pepper notes, dark berries and mocha espresso flavors. Too much sulfur conceals some of the lovely fruit.
(77)
Howard Park 2001 Scotsdale Shiraz, Western Australia, $19.99
1,744 cases produced
Eucalyptus and black fruit aromas but the flavors are under ripe – lots of tannin and acidity!
(76)
Black Opal 2002 Cabernet Merlot, South Australia, $8.00
215,000 cases imported
Barnyard and sulfur over red wild fruit and spicy wood notes on nose. Ripe raspberry, and darker earthier notes, leather, tannins, good intensity in the mouth. The sulfur and barnyard overpower the fruit.
(75)
Howard Park 2001 Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Australia, $19.99
1,711 cases produced
Lots of acid and tannin on this wine. Under ripe black fruit with tar, wintergreen and eucalyptus notes.
(74.7)
Jim Barry 2002 The Lodge Shiraz, Clare Valley, South Australia, $14.95
10,000 cases produced
The nose is off-putting – green, under ripe aromas. Cherry cola flavors touched by eucalyptus .
(73)