By Josh Raynolds Reviews USA
Sep/Oct 08
Blackbilly
2007 Blackbilly Wines Pinot Gris Adelaide Hills
($20) Pale yellow. Racy, finely etched citrus and orchard fruit aromas are complemented by dusty minerals and pink peppercorn. A mix of nervy citrus and rounder melons on the palate, with tangy minerality adding lift and cut. Finishes with repeating melon and grapefruit notes and good persistence. 88
2006 Blackbilly Wines Shiraz McLaren Vale
($25) Deep, bright ruby. Very syrah on the nose: dark berries, cured meat, smoky herbs, minerals and dried flowers. A sexy anise quality adds complexity to powerful blackberry and boysenberry flavors, with dusty tannins adding focus and grip. Pretty interesting stuff, with impressive finishing complexity and lingering smokiness. (The Australian Premium Wine Collection, imported by USA Wine West, Sausalito, CA). 90
Blackbilly McLaren Vale 2006 reviews in the USA:
From the July/August 2006 edition of Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar. By Josh Raynolds.
2005 Blackbilly Wines Pinot Gris Fleurieu - 87
(US$15) Pink-tinged straw. Bright and racy on the nose, with mineral-laced aromas of pear, apple and honeydew melon. Fresh, weighty flavors of melon and orchard fruits accented by a note of licorice. This packs a lot of flavor, finishing with a note of pear skin and a touch of warmth.
2004 Blackbilly Wines Shiraz McLaren Vale - 90
(US$19) Deep violet. Lush, spicy and intensely floral, with strong blackberry and cherry cola aromas. Big and rich, but the flavors of cassis, blackberry and baking spices are finely etched. Offers great lift on the impressively concentrated finish, which expands and sweetens as the wine opens in the glass. A great value. (Blackbilly USA Agents - The Australian Premium Wine Collection, www.tapwc.com.au)
The Old Faithful
By Josh Raynolds
Sep/Oct 08
2006 The Old Faithful Grenache Northern Exposure McLaren Vale
($40) Ruby-red. Spicy red berries and candied cherry on the nose, with subtle floral and mineral qualities adding nuance. Juicy raspberry and cherry compote flavors are clean and precise, with silky tannins adding structure. A suave, silky style that delivers impressive up-front appeal, not to mention excellent finishing clarity and length. 91
2006 The Old Faithful Shiraz The Cafe Block McLaren Vale
($40) Saturated ruby. Restrained dark fruit aromas slowly reveal a seductive, ripe personality. Suave blackberry and blueberry flavors stain the palate and betray no edges or tannic bite. The pliant, sweet finish leaves behind a liqueur-like dark berry quality. This put on weight with air but maintained energy and precision. 91
2006 The Old Faithful Top Of The Hill Shiraz McLaren Vale
($40) Inky ruby. Spicy black raspberry and cherry aromas are complicated by Asian spices and cracked pepper. Sweet, strikingly concentrated dark berries and bitter chocolate on the palate, with supple tannins and subtle minerality adding shape and lift. Elegant and balanced for such size and power, finishing with lingering dark berry preserve and smoky mineral notes. (The Australian Premium Wine Collection, imported by USA Wine West, Sausalito, CA) 92
