JM 1ST APPROACH

The new 2010 Basket Pressed Shiraz is finally here. A glass full of vibrant berry and cherries upfront with those savoury descriptors that though sounding odd, (tabacco leaf, dried spices, roast gravy reduction), add that all important complexity and interest that all your favourite wines seem to have. Good vintage, great wine.

Medium depth crimson in colour with purple hues. Delicious aromas of blue fruits, Satsuma plum and liquorice fills the nostrils with hints of Turkish delight and chocolate. Bright, juicy, sweet fruit flows onto the palate and is well balanced with briary spice and plenty of fine silky tannins which continue right through to the finish.

Black core with a brick red rim. Dark plum, mulberry and blackberry are harmonious with black pepper, cedar and hints of vanilla. A rich confit of black fruits, liquorice and dark chocolate combine to build a full bodied style with balanced acidity and firm chewy tannins.

The Jack's Shiraz was predominantly sourced from the Kalleske's Home block with small parcels included from the Hill and Moppa blocks. Black core with crimson rim. Vibrant plum, cherry and blueberry pie dominate the nose with hints of raspebrry, eucalyptus, pepper, spice and cedar notes. Concentrated black and red fruits entwined with dark chocolate, liquorice and supported by soft supple tannins.

“ Bright crimson-purple; oh my, what a beautiful wine from this wondrous vintage; a selection from 19 vineyard sites, open-fermented, basket-pressed and matured in quality American oak, 25% new; its juicy flavours caress the mouth, the oak balance spot on, and not imparting overt vanilla, the tannins equally good.” – 96 Points James Halliday

Bright, clear red-purple the scented and fragrant bouquet has a warm spice and pepper introduction to the fleshy red and black cherry fruit of the perfectly balanced medium-bodied palate; the quality of the wine comes through on the lingering finish and aftertaste. Drink whenever. 94 points James Halliday
Cracked pepper, cherry-plum, some mulberry and blackberry and earth. Maybe there’s a kiss of malty, toasty oak but it’s subtle and integrated. Good amount of both fruit flesh and tannin. It’s just a beaut drinking wine. 91 points Winefront.com.au

Like the 2008 before it – perhaps more so – the 2009 is as sexy as shiraz gets at the price – beautifully, sweetly aromatic with a vibrant, fruity palate to match. Chris Shanahan

Bright crimson; a fragrant bouquet encompasses spice, plum, black cherry and blackberry aromas that flow through to the medium-bodied palate, there picked up quality oak, and finishing with polished tannins. Great bargain. 96 points  James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion