Shaw and Smith Shiraz 2003 (review)

87 points

Adelaide Hills, South Australia. 14%

Dark unfiltered colour. Restrained but interesting funky aromas. This is "new wave" shiraz as the back label says. Warm and rich but not overly sweet nor weighed down by oak, added acid and tannins. Restrained French oak rather than American, but it is the fruit that dominates.

Very drinkable now, not for cellaring. I'd like to see this wine in a less difficult vintage.

Crabtree Watervale Shiraz Picnic Hill Vineyard 2002 (review)

79 points.

Clare Valley. 13.5%

Rather plain and boring. With hard acidic edges. Disappointing. $18