Rockstar Aussie Wines

Rockstar event at Kevin with core Minneapolis Wine Club members. Tie for wine of the night for me with the Amon-Ra and Henry's Drive.

No corked bottles again and of course all members preview their wines. I decanted the Henry's Drive 4 plus hours and if I didn't it would not be drinkable.

Great event and we will do it again.

2006 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (3/26/2011)
Very complex wine but the nose does not do the palate justice. Blueberries, coffee, spice and floral notes. Concentrated palate and medium to long finish. Really integrated wine and really no flaws. Impressive! (94 pts.)

2004 Kalleske Shiraz Greenock - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (3/26/2011)
The most unusual wine I have tasted this year. Started out at a solid 94 and dipped down to a 90 and back to a 92 and up one more point to a 93. Truffles, spice, cherry, soy, pepper and gardenia in no particular order. Changing over and over. (93 pts.)

2002 Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway (3/26/2011)
This wine was decanted 4 hours and vinturi systemed 3. Great wine with charcoal, pepper, menthol, oak and vanilla. Not a lot of fruit showing but very concentrated wine and thick. Long finish and impressive. (94 pts.)

2006 Emmanuel Darnaud Crozes-Hermitage Les Trois Chênes - France, Rhône, Northern Rhône, Crozes-Hermitage (3/26/2011)
I liked this better than the group with funk, scorched earth, minerals, blueberries and coffee. A lot of New World character. (92 pts.)

2007 Mollydooker Shiraz Blue Eyed Boy - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (3/26/2011)
Little subtle for Aussie Shiraz with blueberries, coffee, candied fruit and floral. Got a bit better over the night. (91 pts.)

2002 Fox Creek Shiraz Reserve - Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale (3/26/2011)
Great wine and improve with some time. Floral, leather, oak, blackberries, boysenberries and spices. Lots of damp earth up front but mellowed out and improve. Medium finish. 92 Plus (92 pts.)

2005 Kaesler Shiraz The Bogan - Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley (3/27/2011)
Sampled a few times and always solid with blackberries, floral and coffee on an active nose. Palate is solid with plenty of flavor and has a medium finish. (92 pts.)

2002 Turley Petite Sirah Hayne Vineyard - USA, California, Napa Valley, St. Helena (3/27/2011)
A nice wine with floral, raspberry, licorice, pepper and blueberries. Nice aromas and average concentration on the palate. Medium finish. (92 pts.)