Two Hands – Angels Share Shiraz 2007 – McLaren Vale, Australia
Cost: $25/bottle (as part of a Vosges Dark Chocolate gift box)
Thick velvety dark opaque purple wine, a rich decadent milkshake-like wine oozing with so much viscosity. Notes of black cherry, chocolate cake, black raspberry, with strong mocha in aroma and flavor. I almost feel guilty drinking this; it’s like dessert in a glass. Dark chocolate morsels made by Vosges are a great accompaniment to this dry red— although granted, I would likely enjoy this particular shiraz with a nice juicy porterhouse steak more. A fine offering made by the folks at Two Hands.
Rating: 90
Bishop by Ben Glaetzer – Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007, Australia
Cost: $24.99/bottle
This wine was genuinely rich and thick in texture, with a complex nose of crushed blackcherries, blueberry pie, and vanilla milkshake, with hints of smoked meat, cedar, and toasty oak. In the mouth, it is full-bodied, with a creamy viscosity similar to ‘half and half,’ gobs of fruit, good supple tannins, and a gorgeous finish. Quite impressive. It’s a well-restrained shiraz offering just the right fruit ripeness while maintaining its consistent complex flavor (with a nose to match). I like this a lot and it’s surely worth picking up a few more bottles at a price of a penny under $25. Well bought.
Rating: 91
= "personne extraordinaire"