Affairs of the Vine | Wine Education - Event Planning - Wine Boot Camp

2008 California-Australia Shootout

Click here for a printable/
select-copy-paste page

heart heart = Love at First Sip

Ecluse Wines 2006 Lock Vineyard 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, California, $28.00: 259 cases produced
(94)

Male: Spot on black currant and mint aromas. Great color. The wine is youthful with a healthy dose of new French oak (very Napa in style) with intense black fruit flavors, vanilla, licorice, blackberry and cola notes. The finish is long and delicious. Impressive!

Female: In the glass the wine is an intense purple. The cassis aromas are accented by plenty of spice with hints of cocoa. The expressive palate is powerful upfront with black cherry, black currant, rhubarb and anise flavors. Cocoa embraces the fruit. This wine is well balanced with pretty tannins. Yummy!

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2006 Riesling Southeastern Australia, $12.00: 26000 cases produced
(93)

Male: Good Riesling character with a nose of beeswax, lime, jasmine, and white peach. Classy wine with nice layers and dimension. Focused and crisp. Well balanced. Good with oysters or mussels. Yum!

Female: Ah! Mercedes-Benz tail pipe...a much appreciated characteristic aroma of good Riesling. The petrol is joined by a minerality and wet stone aromas. The entry is flirtacious with the mineral notes persisting with subtle dry fruit flavors. Perfectly balanced with nice acids on finish. Very pleasant!

Eagle Vale 2004 Whispering Lake Shiraz Margaret River Western Australia, $32.00: 1200 cases produced
(93)

Male: In the glass, this wine is opaque ruby. Blackberry and light eucalyptus aromas emanate from the glass. Ripe black and red fruit on the palate. Nicely balanced. Concentrated. Well done!

Female: Deep brown-red in color. The nose has cocoa and caramel notes with a slight gaminess. In the mouth you will enjoy rhubarb and black currant fruit with baking spices and hints of smoky bacon. Yummy with wild game!

Écluse Wines 2006 Ensemble - 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Petit Verdot, 18% Merlot Paso Robles, California, $38.00: 392 cases produced
(93)

Male: Deep dark ruby in color. Lovely aromas, of red blackberry fruit, chocolate and toasted oak. Deep cassis fruit, licorice and black cherry flavors with back notes of cola. Big and round in the mouth. Good balance and structure. Enjoy with grilled lamb chops. When the oak fully integrates, this wine will be amazing!

Female: Intense inky hue. Bright notes of pomegranate, blueberry, anise, and mushroom on the nose. Dense dark fruit intermingling with spices on the mid palate. Nice tannins that underscore the lingering finish.

Meadowcroft 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley, California, $56.00: 100 cases produced
(93)

Male: Aromas of black cherry, black currant, mint, eucalyptus, and coriander seed. Similar flavors with great integration. The wine is seamless and focused, expertly blended with licorice and graphite on the finish. Elegant, graceful and sophisticated. Wow!

Female: Anise and plum on nose with sweet green pepper and wild cherries on the palate. Nicely integrated oak. Lingering finish.

Robert Oatley 2008 Pinot Grigio South Australia, $18.00: 4000 cases produced
(93)

Male: Zesty, refreshing nose of grapefruit, lavender and green apple. This wine is on the leaner side for Pinot Grigio, but the aromatics are right on delivering the same onto the palate plus ripe melon flavors and a hint of spice on the finish, nice wine! Complex.

Female: Beautiful aromatics lead to a clean, bright entry. The lemon, peach and toasty flavors builds on mid palate. Juicy. Lovely acidity. Balanced with a long finish.

Signorello Vineyards 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California, $50.00: 3100 cases produced
(93)

Male: Generous red berry, black cherry and blueberry nose. Very nice juicy fruit with hints of brown spice and coffee. A very complex wine with lots of layers. There is a hint of leather on the finish. Soft and lush. Will age well.

Female: Dark and clear red-black in color. Cherry rose petals, hints of vanilla, spice, nutmeg, and cedar with tobacco and leather notes. In the mouth, deep and low toned spice surrounds rhubarb and blackberry. Sexy palate!

Wakefield 2006 Shiraz Clare Valley, Australia, $16.99: 3000 cases produced
(93)

Male: The nose is both bright and brooding at the same time…plums, green olive, chocolate, eucalyptus, and raspberry compote aromas much more - coriander, sage and red cherry. Very Barossa-like with pepper, coriander, raspberry, black currant and vanilla flavors. Slightly sweet and sour finish on the finish. The alcohol is apparent. Sexy and intriguing but pushing the limit for ripe fruit.

Female: The wine is a clear moderately intense purple-red color. The nose is exotic – cinnamon, spice and caramel with dried bayleaf and cola notes. The palate is intriguing with dark berries and spice. Eucalyptus throughout. Serve with lamb but no mint jelly as the wine delivers that minty character.

Eagle Vale 2004 Whispering Lake Chardonnay Margaret River Western Australia, $40.00: 400 cases produced
(92)

Male: The nose is intoxicating with vanilla, roses and caramel reminiscent of a wonderful Montrachet. The finish is everlasting with guava, vanilla and honey.

Female: Clean bright in the glass. The color is a light green gold. The aromas of butter, burnt nuts and baked apples evolve into flavors of sweet apple fruit on the palate. Good acidity. A bright and food friendly Chardonnay.

Ecluse Wines 2006 Rendition - 57% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre Paso Robles, California, $38: 429 cases produced
(92)

Male: The impressive nose delivers pomegranate and mulberry aromas. Very ripe baked plum, strawberry, red cherry, cocoa, cola, and spice flavors. A distinctive wine with mild tannins.

Female: Sweet toffee and baking spices on the nose. The fruit is dark and brambly. Herbs wrap around the black fruit flavors mid palate. The finish has smoky overtones.

Prix Vineyards 2005 Red Table Wine Napa Valley, California, $75.00: 300 cases produced
(92)

Male: Very likeable from the start with raspberry, black cherry, graphite, plum, licorice, and vanilla aromas that deliver very similar flavors on the palate. Excellent Bordeaux-style blend with firm tannins and a long life ahead.

Female: Beautiful clean and deep claret color. Sweet cassis and vanilla aromas. Cherry flavors with candied fruit notes and cedar accents. The texture is chalky. Big tannin structure. Needs time.

Hagafen 2004 Weir Family Vineyard: MJT Block Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, California, $65.00: 150 cases produced
(92)

Male: Opaque and ruby in color. Aromas that are meaty and toasty aromas with hints of chocolate and oak notes. Ripe blackberry and black cherry fruit developing sweet sour flavors mid palate. Sweet toasted oak that is nicely integrated. Well balanced with a pleasant finish.

Female: Bright, deep purple in color. Cocoa, cherry, stewed fruit aromas. Blueberry and mocha on the palate. Very dry but nicely balanced.

Magito 2005 Cabernet Blend Sonoma County, California, $18.00: 150 cases produced
(92)

Male: Coffee, raspberry, sweet cherry, and anise on the nose. This wine is supple, fleshy and easy to drink. Warm climate characteristics with raspberry compote flavors. Pretty structure with balanced alcohol. A very nice wine for its style.

Female: Dusty plum fruit with vanilla custard aromas. Boysenberry, blueberry and eucalyptus in the mouth. The oak dominates the fruit mid palate but then comes back into balance on the finish.

Thomas Henry 2005 Merlot Napa Valley, California, $9.95: 2000 cases produced
(92)

Male: Light blood red in color with black cherry and dark plum aromas. The initial entry is light but leads to rich middle. The wine is linear with harmonious integration. An elegant and subtle wine with a nice finish.

Female: Black cherry, currant and tobacco on the nose with black cherry and spice in the mouth. Cranberries accent the finish. This wine has a nice tannin structure. Very pleasant.

Olson Ogden 2006 Unti Vineyard Syrah Dry Creek Valley, California, $38.00: 219 cases produced
(92)

Male: Great purple color. Lovely boysenberry, anise, lavender, white pepper, and mint aromas. Blue and black fruit flavors. Nice dense mouthfeel with good acidity. On the finish, spice and oak show on the moderately tannic finish. Still young. A distinctive and delicious wine.

Female: Intense purple in the glass. Black cherry, vibrant currant, clove, and cedar aromas waft from the glass. Juicy black currant and black cherry on the palate with nice brown spice accents. Tannins are full but this wine will age beautifully.

Paraiso 2005 Wedding Hill Syrah Santa Lucia Highlands, California, $40.00: 199 cases produced
(92)

Male: Menthol, black pepper, and slightly meaty aromas. Deep cherry, blackberry and chocolate with a touch of dill notes. The finish is short but rich displaying a nice oak complement to the fruit.

Female: Alluring deep red brown color. Anise and herbs dominate nose with a meaty note at the core. Bright cherry fruit layered with spice and cured meats flavors. Good palate structure.

Protero Wines 2005 Gumeracha Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Blend Adelaide Hills, Australia, $25.00: 1200 cases produced
(92)

Male: Black cherry, graphite and black currant on the nose. Great color. Nicely restrained with dense fruit on the palate - black and red currant flavors, sweet oak, a touch of spice and wood. Big mouthfeel with good acid and medium tannins. Bordeaux-like Cab-Merlot blend - Margaret River?

Female: Black fruit and licorice notes that come forward in the nose. Fresh berry explodes on the palate. Juicy with hints of black pepper on finish. A bit edgy with grape tannins that are apparent. Enjoy with grilled meats.

Wakefield 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Clare Valley, Australia, $16.99: 1500 cases produced
(92)

Male: A rustic wine with raspberry, eucalyptus and cola aromas evolving on the palate into flavors of black cherry, raspberry, black pepper, and tar with some licorice, vanilla and coffee notes from the oak. Still very tight – needs time.

Female: Classic green olive and blackberry on the nose. Wild berries and cassis on the palate with hints of maple and coffee. The pleasant fruit stands forward on the palate. Medium tannins.

Black Swan 2007 Shiraz-Merlot Southeastern Australia, $8.00: 20000 cases produced
(91)

Male: Medium ruby color. Red raspberry and spicy aromas. Darker fruit is perceived on the palate, with red fruit highlights of sweet raspberry syrup and cherry at the core. Nicely balanced with sweet toasted oak on the finish.

Female: Powerful aromas of dark crushed berries. Bright cherry and black cherry cloaked in spice on the palate. Fresh and clean. A pretty wine!

Novateur 2007 Fortress Vineyard Semillion-Sauvignon Blanc Blend Red Hills, Lake County, California, $20.00: 447 cases produced
(91)

Male: A charming wine. Light in color. Moderately sweet, candied pear, grass, lime and lavender aromas delivering flavors of honeyed lemon and cream. Great with a Poire William tart. Very nice acid.

Female: A sweet crème brulee nose with lemon accents and vanilla notes. The palate is rich reminiscent of lemon meringue pie. Nicely balanced with lovely acid on the finish.

Thomas Henry 2006 Zinfandel Russian River Valley, California, $9.95: 2300 cases produced
(91)

Male: In the glass the color is ruby garnet. The wine emits ripe aromas of black fruit and sweet balsamic. The mouth feel is sweet and lush. Delicate yet focused. Easy to drink. Well done!

Female: Ripe cherry aromas become cherry and brown baking spice on the palate. Pleasant and easy to drink.

Olson Ogden 2006 Stagecoach Vineyard Syrah Napa Valley, California, $52.00: 116 cases produced
(91)

Male: The nose is elusive at first with meaty syrah aromas, then some blackberry and cranberry notes. The wine opens slowly to dark and brooding licorice, cassis, blueberry flavors with vanilla and black tea accents. Good structure. Gets better and better as it opens. Needs time. Has a bright future.

Female: Deep black purple color. Intense blueberry and currant flavors with hints of vanilla and spice. The oak tannins hang in there. Will age nicely!

Taylor Family Vineyards 2004 Cabernet Stags Leap District, Napa Valley, California, $60.00: 210 cases produced
(91)

Male: In the glass the wine is dark ruby garnet with aromas of blackberry and rich earth notes. There are spicy black fruit flavors on the palate. The wine is nicely balanced with moderate tannins. A crowd pleaser.

Female: Raspberry, licorice and rhubarb aromas. Cassis at the core of the palate is accented by spicy fruit and mocha flavors.

Wakefield 2007 Unwooded Chardonnay South Australia, $12.99: 10000 cases produced
(91)

Male: Light straw in color with lemon, melon and apricot aromas. Very good focused flavors. Harmonious with nice texture. This wine has a pleasant mouthfeel with good minerality and pleasant acidity on the finish.

Female: In the glass the wine is clear and pale yellow with tinges of green. Hints of pineapple and clover on the nose with a slight nuttiness and hints of Asian spice. In the mouth the wine delivers lemon, apple and pineapple flavors with a creamy note finishing with a good cleansing acid finish.

Écluse 2006 Lock Vineyard Syrah Paso Robles, $32: 212 cases produced
(90)

Male: The aromatics are enticing, a nice combination of subtle black and red fruit with underlying spice. Everything is in proportion. The nose introduces a very elegant style of Syrah. Nice structure - nice fruit on the palate and nice acid. One of the better Syrahs I've tasted in a long time!

Female: I really like this wine! Blackberry, blueberry and vanilla notes on the nose. This in an elegant wine with lovely berry flavors on the palate and subtle spice. Cocoa accent on the long finish. The acid makes this a wine to pair with food. The structure and balance are impressive.

Magito 2005 Zinfandel California, $17.00: 1600 cases produced
(90)

Male: The complex nose of plum and blueberry cream pie opens to a dark, jammy and lush wine with a big, full finish.

Female: The wine is a deep dark purple and is a touch cloudy. There is a prune-like quality on the nose –dark and brooding reminiscent of amador county wines. The palate has dark plum and prune flavors.

Meadowcroft 2007 Viognier Sonoma County, California, $25.00: 95 cases produced
(90)

Male: Very much a new world style wine. Lilac, pineapple and peach nectar aromas. Sweet in the mouth, with peach, papaya and citrus flavors. An unrestrained wine that may be hard to pair with food.

Female: Caramel and toffee on the nose. Pear flavors in the mouth. Nice depth. The finish is pleasant and quite long.

Olson Ogden 2006 Syrah Sonoma County 78%, Napa County 22% - California, $28.00: 171 cases produced
(90)

Male: Bright cherry, raspberry and baking spice aromas. Rich fruit pattern on the palate – blueberries and raspberries. Lovely, lively, smoky, and rich with a solid finish.

Female: Bright blackberry aromas with a touch of coffee. Bright blueberry jam flavors and white pepper accents. Lush fruit with a soft finish. Yum!

Renegade Winery 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley, California, $30.00: 300 cases produced
(90)

Male: Dark ruby with black fruit and earthy aromas. Nicely concentrated palate, the flavors are consistent with the nose. Rich and soft with a long finish. Has promise!

Female: Intensely deep and slightly cloudy purple in the glass. There are animal tones on nose…leather and bacon. The texture is heavy, almost syrup-like. The dark animal aromas carry through onto the palate which also displays low tones of dark fruit. Distinct tannins. Wild game please!

Renegade Winery 2006 Sauvignon Blanc Alexander Valley, $21.00: 300 cases produced
(90)

Male: Intense orange blossom aromas evolve and deliver pronounced lemon flavors with notes of apple and melon on the palate. White pepper accents enter mid to late palate. There is a touch of grapefruit on the long finish.

Female: Notes of tangerine on the nose with fresh citrus flavors. Lively acidity. Balanced. Lovely!

Vina Robles 2007 Jardine Sauvignon Blanc Paso Robles, $14.00: 1934 cases produced
(90)

Male: Aromas of green apple are replicated on the palate. Slow building acid from the mid palate carries through to the end with the addition of light spice late. An easy sipper.

Female: There is a hint of minerality on the nose, a wonderfully expressive entry full of lemon, crisp apple and spice notes. This wine is complex and full bodied, with a lasting finish.

heart heart = An Affair to Remember

Capel Vale 2007 Chardonnay Margaret River, Australia, $22.00: 1600 cases produced
(89)

Male: A very likeable and straightforward wine. Dark golden hues leaning towards a medium lemon color. A nice nose of toasty oak. The solid fruit core is round with green apple and melon flavors.

Female: Clear, pale straw color. Apples, a touch of nutmeg and a hint of vanilla on the nose. Apples mixed with a touch of acid on the finish. Simple, well made and quite pleasant.

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Southeastern Australia, $12.00: 90000 cases produced
(89)

Male: Cassis bramble on the nose with a touch of oak delivering black currant flavors. Bright acid and sandy tannins are displayed on the long finish.

Female: The nose is earthy displaying barnyard notes. Sour cherry flavors are surrounded by a complementary tannin structure. This wine will improve over the next two years.

Fortress Vineyards 2007 Red Hills Lake County Sauvignon Blanc - 100% Musque Clone Lake County, California, $16.00: 2128 cases produced
(89)

Male: Very ripe candied pear aromas that appear almost sweet with a hint of clover. This is not grassy wine. Fleshy and medium-full bodied in the mouth with melon being the main flavor. Good acidity and high alcohol. Cooked apple flavors on the finish from the very ripe fruit. Not a delicate wine.

Female: Pear aromas with heavy vanilla notes. Sweet fruit in the mouth. Creamsicle on the palate. A clean citrus finish. Lovely.

Thomas Henry 2005 Sangiovese Napa Valley, California, $9.95: 300 cases produced
(89)

Male: Light, brick red in color. Cherry, sassafras, and cocoa aromas. In the mouth the fruit is apparent - plum and berry flavors. Rounded with good acid and some astringency on finish.

Female: Ripe plum and cranberries on the nose with light oak undertones. Cherry and plum on the palate accented by crushed herbs. A simple, clean and very pleasant wine.

Protero Wines 2006 Gumeracha Chardonnay Adelaide Hills, Australia, $22.00: 1200 cases produced
(89)

Male: The citrus nose leads to apricot stone fruit with a long finish. Sweet, ripe and toasty flavors.

Female: Bright and clear, the color is straw-like. Citrus tones on the nose. Pleasant lemon on entry that with sweet oak overlaying lemon and apple flavors mid through finish where lemon peel notes make an appearance. Good acidity.

Robert Oatley 2008 Rose of Sangiovese Mudgee, Australia, $18.00: 3100 cases produced
(89)

Male: Aromas of watermelon with a hint of honey. The mouth delivers more than the nose promises. Strawberry and cranberry flavors with a slight hint of vanilla.

Female: Strawberry and cranberry on the nose with pretty floral notes. Strawberry flavors with snappy bright acidity. Well balanced.

Robert Oatley 2007 Shiraz Mudgee, Australia, $20.00: 7500 cases produced
(89)

Male: Crimson in color. Lavender, cherry and black pepper on the nose. Dark roasted coffee and rhubarb in the mouth. Rich and lingering on the palate. The finish is a bit short.

Female: Smoked meat aromas. Dark and brooding on the palate. Nice mouth feel, lingering on the palate. Yummy with smoked duck with berry sauce!

Wakefield 2005 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia, $12.99: 30000 cases produced
(89)

Male: Cedar, black cherry and red currant with hints of red bell pepper, black pepper and graphite on the nose. Nice layers of aromas and flavors. This Cab/Shiraz blend tastes like it has some age. Nicely balanced. Drink in the next year or two. Serve with venison.

Female: A masculine wine. Brambly texture. The nose is gamey with ripe red fruit – raspberry, boysenberry and with hints of earthiness. Soft dark berries in mouth with cedar, clove and eucalyptus accents. Very well balanced with good acidity.

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2006 Shiraz Southeastern Australia, $12.00: 95000 cases produced
(88)

Male: Fun! Rootie-tootie, rich and fruity nose. Wonderfully concentrated ripe black and red fruit flavors. Deftly made.

Female: Red cherry, blackberry, black cherry, anise and coffee on the nose. Pure red and black fruit on the palate. Mellow finish. Nice!

McWilliams Hanwood Estate 2006 Chardonnay Southeastern Australia, $12.00: 98000 cases produced
(88)

Male: Lemon crème pie aromas. Lemon and apple flavors on the palate. Bright acid with medium length on the finish.

Female: Baked apples on the nose delivering apple and pear flavors on entry and apple pie flavors mid through late palate. Nice acid.

Castagna 2005 Un Segreto 2005 Sangiovese/Syrah Blend Beechworth, Australia, $60.00: 300 cases produced
(87)

Male: In the glass, the wine is opaque with pine aromas. Sweet black fruit flavors with pine overtones. Moderate finish.

Female: Smoky bacon fat aromas open to dark concentrated black cherry and cassis on the palate. Full tannins with herbal notes late through the finish.

Black Swan 2007 Riesling Southeastern Australia, $8.00: 122000 cases produced
(87)

Male: Orange blossoms on the nose with ripe lush pink grapefruit and lemon on the palate. Bright acidity.

Female: Floral aromas lead to pear and peach in mouth with peach compote on finish. A very pleasat sipper. Not enough acid to complement food.

Thomas Henry 2006 Chardonnay Russian River Valley, California, $9.95: 1300 cases produced
(87)

Male: This wine displays fresh fruit and butterscotch aromas with a melon infused palate paired with bright acid and a toasty oak finish. A simple wine paired well with cheese.

Female: Butterscotch aromas follow through to the palate with hints of pistachio. Has an enriched oak finish.

Vina Robles 2006 Huerhuero Cabernet Sauvignon Paso Robles, $19.00: 4269 cases produced
(87)

Male: Vegetal notes at first are quickly replaced by bright blackberry, currant and vanilla aromas. Red fruit in the mouth with coarse tannins displayed ont he finish.

Female: Green pepper and dark cherry on the nose. The flavors are distinctly sour cherry. The tannins are still very prominent. Needs time!

Black Swan 2007 Chardonnay Southeastern Australia, $8.00: 80000 cases produced
(86)

Male: The nose of passion fruit carries through onto the palate with the addition of lemon crème flavors. Bright acid is displayed on the long length finish.

Female: Deep golden color with kiwi, pear, and pineapple juice on the nose. Pineapple on the palate and layered with oak which holds on through the finish.

Robert Oatley 2007 Chardonnay Mudgee, Australia, $18.00: 7500 cases produced
(86)

Male: Light yellow in color. Almond aromas with honey and butterscotch notes. Nice mouth feel and a nice finish.

Female: Granny smith pie on the nose. Beautiful mouthfeel - creamy on the palate with a long finish. Classic!

Wakefield 2007 Riesling South Australia, $12.99: 5000 cases produced
(86)

Male: Lush and spicy with exuberant Lychee on the nose and in the mouth. White pepper accents the fruit flavors. There is bright acid on the lengthy finish.

Female: Slightly sweet on the palate and finish. There is a touch of petrol on the nose reminiscent of favored Rieslings.

Eagle Vale 2003 Whispering Lake Cabernet Sauvignon Margaert River Western Australia, $32.00: 1500 cases produced
(85)

Male: Dark in color with a nose of plum that is accented by earthy, leathery and herbaceous notes. Cassis flavors with medium body and tannins.

Female: Bing cherry, raspberry and green pepper on the nose. The palate is a bit lean filling at first but fills in on the finish with red fruit accented by cured meat.

Prix Vineyards 2005 Syrah Napa County/Sonoma County, $65.00: 275 cases produced
(85)

Male: Deep blood red in color. Menthol on the nose. Good solid dried currant fruit on the palate. Caramel and butterscotch on the finish. Needs time to integrate.

Female: Sweet cassis and eucalyptus on the nose. There is bright and sharp red fruit on the palate. Lots of tannin with high acidity on the finish. Will the fruit still be there after the tannins soften?

Eagle Vale 2007 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc Margaret River Western Australia, $18.00: 4500 cases produced
(84)

Male: The lemon blossom nose delivers ripe lemon fruit on the palate. Bright acid is displayed on the lengthy finish.

Female: Bananas and toasted nuts on the nose deliver a creamy texture on the palate. The finish shows oaky notes.

Wakefield 2007 Chardonnay Clare Valley, $16.99: 2000 cases produced
(84)

Male: Pronounced lemon blossom on the nose with clove, nutmeg and mace accents. The palate has ripe fruit with back notes of lemon peel and grapefruit. Nicely balanced, full bodied with moderate length and concentration.

Female: Apple on the nose and very sweet apple in the mouth with sour apple notes on the finish. Simple.

Black Swan 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Southeastern Australia, $8.00: 135000 cases produced
(82)

Male: Spicy, meaty nose with light but spicy red fruit in the mouth.

Female: Jalapeno pepper on the nose. Entry is light with the mid palate displaying light red cherry with a touch of mint.

Hagafen 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley, $45.00: 220 cases produced
(82)

Male: A dark ruby color with cherry, cola, coffee, butterscotch and leather aromas. A moderate mouthfeel dominated by oak flavors. Firm tannins. Burnt fruit on the finish.

Female: Bacon aromas with light eucalyptus and cherry flavors.

Black Swan 2007 Shiraz Southeastern Australia, $8.00: 201000 cases produced
(80)

Male: The nose is herbal with black fruit in the mouth.

Female: Vegetal and herbal notes combine with cranberry on the nose. The palate is cranberry with black tea accents on the finish.