The Drunken Cyclist

2017 Henry’s Drive Shiraz/Cabernet, Padthaway, Australia: Retail $42. 72% Shiraz (94% Padthaway, 6% McClaren Vale), 28% Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Padthaway). Under screw. Inky dark in the glass with blackberry, plum, even cassis on the nose with intense fruit on the palate, along with some black pepper, and just a hint of tannin on the finish. At first, honestly, I thought this was overly fruity but fun, but with more reflection, this is pretty darned good with some depth (but certainly fruity). Excellent. 90-92 Points.

2017 Henry’s Drive Shiraz, Padthaway, Australia: Retail $40. 100% Shiraz (92% Padthaway, 8% McLaren Vale). Noticeably darker in the glass than the Shiraz/Cabernet blend. Darker fruit (if possible) as well, with more spice and black pepper. The palate is, somewhat paradoxically, fruitier, but also with more spice. Less tannic structure (as one might expect) on the finish, but this is certainly a tasty quaff. Very Good to Excellent. 89-91 Points.

2017 Vintage Longbottom Syrah H, Padthaway, Australia: Retail $30. 100% Syrah (with grapes 54% from Adelaide Hills and 46% from Padthaway). Interesting that “Syrah” and not “Shiraz” is used here–the producers embracing a more modern, finesse-driven wine instead of the typical jammy, fruit-driven wines of the region. Dark berry fruit with plenty of spice on the nose, while the palate is quite reserved, particularly on the fruit level, with incredible tartness and marked by spice on the lengthy palate. Quite a derivation from the “typical” Aussie Syrah/Shiraz. Excellent. 90-92 Points.

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