Tasting Notes
Robert Parker – 94
From the Barossa, the inky/ruby/purple-hued 2004 Shiraz Bella’s Garden offers notions of mint, blackberries, smoke, dusty earth, and a distinctive licorice and creme de cassis character. This layered, full-bodied, powerful (all of these wines have 15-16% alcohol), stunningly complex, rich, impressive Shiraz requires 2-3 years of cellaring, and should keep for 10-15. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Anticipated maturity: 2008-2021
Vinous – 91+
Dark purple. Powerful red fruit scents, with strong suggestions of kirsch and white pepper. Densely packed flavors of candied strawberry and raspberry preserves are given focus and definition by bracing acids and fine tannins. This very young shiraz finishes on bright, tangy notes of pomegranate and rhubarb. I’d give this wine at least a few years in the cellar to flesh out.
