4 | Wine | Barossa, 2008

"Blended of Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro, the 2008 The Steading gives a deep garnet color and aromas of warm mulberries and dried plums with an undercurrent of spice box, sandalwood and kirsch. Very full and generous in the mouth with a good amount of enlivening acidity, it is displaying mature, dried berry and spice flavors textured with a medium level of velvety tannins and finishing long. Drinking now, it should remain good to 2016+."

"Very deep garnet colored with a touch of brick, the 2008 Basket Pressed Shiraz offers a complex nose of mulberries, blackberry preserves and dried plums over hints of baking spices, Ceylon tea, tobacco and sandalwood. Very full bodied, big and powerful in the mouth, it offers generous layers of warm berry, dried fruit and baking spice layers supported by refreshing acidity and a medium to firm level of rounded tannins. The finish is long, spicy and just a little warm."

"Youthful aromas of cherry and blackcurrant, anise and black pepper, with a sexy floral note gaining strength with air. Sappy, penetrating red and dark berry flavors are concentrated but surprisingly lithe, with tangy acidity adding lift and cut. A touch of candied flowers adds an exotic quality to the long, spicy, nicely focused finish. I like this wine's balance and clarity."

"Full ruby. Dark berries, cherry pit, cola and spicecake on the pungent nose. Sappy, penetrating and broad, offering boysenberry and cherry compote flavors and a touch of allspice. Closes on a spicy note, with lingering dark fruit qualities and a touch of lavender. Exotic and singular wine that would work well with strongly seasoned red meats or funky cheeses."

"Only made in select years (2007 and 2003 thus far), Ode to Lorraine is a wine made in homage to Al and Cameron’s mum, who remains the “uberboss” of the operation. A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz and 8% Merlot, the 2008 Ode to Lorraine spent 18 months in new and seasoned French and American hogsheads. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gives intense blueberry, black currant and spice box aromas with hints of prunes, licorice and some earth. Rich and full-bodied with medium to firm grainy tannins and plenty of enlivening acid, it finishes long with layers of mulberry and spice flavors. Approachable now, it should soften more in a year or so and drink best from 2012 to 2020+."

"Bold, focused and juicy with ripe cherry and mulberry fruit, shaded with hints of smoke and dill. The finish lingers with detail."

"Deep garnet-purple colored, it displays moderate to intense blackberry preserve and dried mulberry aromas with an undercurrent of anise, Indian spices, yeast extract and black pepper. Full bodied, rich and opulent in the mouth, it has a medium level of velvety tannins, refreshing acid and a very long, very spicy finish. Drink it now to 2021+."