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June 2009 Premiere Wine Club Selection
These days, it may seem that 96 point Barossa Shiraz is about as rare as a wallaby in the same parts (Though I have to admit I have absolutely no idea how rare a Barossa wallaby really is.) But should you find yourself stumbling across the Barossa Valley looking for a wallaby, chances are you'd trip over a high-scoring Shiraz or two along the way. There may or may not be a river of it. We can neither confirm nor deny.
That doesn't mean, however, that Greenock Creek is just another high-scoring Shiraz in a sea of wine. On the contrary, Greenock is quite special in its own right. Owned by Michael and Annabelle Waugh, this winery, as Jay Miller of the Wine Advocate puts it, "remains one of South Australia's most iconic wineries. Start with great terroir, add in old vine material and meticulous winemaking, and end with extraordinary results." Certainly sounds like a recipe for success. The 2005 Shiraz that they lovingly named "Alice's" spent 28 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads rather than the typically favored French oak barriques, lending a spicier, cigar box character to the already meaty old-vine grapes. Layers of blueberry, smoke, game and truffle made this wine what is, and not surprisingly, earned it 96 points from the Wine Advocate. Reviews Jay Miller Wine Advocate 96 Points
The 2005 Alice's Shiraz spent 28 months in seasoned American oak hogsheads. Aromas of smoke, asphalt, meat, game, truffle, and blueberry soar from the glass. On the palate this full-bodied Shiraz is velvety-textured, layered, spicy, and richly fruity. While not quite as riveting as the 2004 edition, it has enough structure to evolve for several years and should drink well through 2025. |
