The 2006 Henry’s Drive Reserve Shiraz was sourced from a single parcel surrounded by eucalyptus trees. It was barrel-fermented and spent 18 months in a mix of French and American oak, 80% new. Opaque purple-colored, it has a mint-accented bouquet suggestive of the 1979 Heitz Martha’s Vineyard Napa Cabernet. In addition, aromas of violets, cocoa, cigar box, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur make their presence known. Glossy on the palate, it has layers of spicy blue and black fruits, ripe tannin, and excellent balance. What it may lack in complexity, it makes up for with in-your-face pure pleasure. While it may evolve for a few years, there is no reason to defer gratification. James Halliday says of Padthaway, “?It is on the way to nowhere. If you can pass through Coonawarra without noticing very much, you can pass through Padthaway without noticing anything at all.” Be that as it may, this is where the Longbottoms added grape growing to their other farming interests and began Henry’s Drive Vignerons. It quickly became clear that high quality grapes could be grown in Padthaway (they became the foundation of the Marquis-Philips line) and, subsequently, The Henry’s Drive, Parson’s Flat, and Pillar Box labels have gained significant traction in the USA market over the last ten years thanks to their superb price to quality ratio. Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; www.quintessentialwines.com

Round and focused, with currant and plum at the core and licorice and pepper on the edges, lingering beautifully. Best from 2010 through 2016. 2,100 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Padthaway Select to Add

This full-bodied, creamy-textured Shiraz packs quite an alcoholic punch (15.5%), but it is so well integrated that most drinkers won’t notice it. There’s a hint of mint to the aromas, but the primary scents are of plummy fruit, chocolate and a savory note of black olive. Long and fleshy on the finish. Drink now–2016.——J.C.(5/1/2009)—— 92