Sourced from 4 to 5 vineyard sites mainly consisting of terra rossa soils, the 2008 Shiraz finished fermentation in oak; 60% American, 40% French oak, 30% new. Very deep purple-black colored, it begins with earthy notes of loam and truffles over ripe blackberries, crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and Mediterranean herbs with hints of mint, mocha and violets. Full-bodied with a medium to firm level of silt-like tannins, refreshingly high acid and good amount of fleshy fruit, it finishes long and savory. It delicious now though should open further with another year in bottle and drink to 2017. In the remote, Limestone Coast sub-region of Padthaway (just north of Coonawarra and slightly warmer), Henry’s Drive has been producing well made, regionally expressive and well priced wines since 1998. All the vineyards here are family owned so the wines are made from estate grown fruit with the majority of the plantings in Padthaway at the base of north-south hills and some on the hills, planted to a mix of terra rossa and sandy loam soils. In 2006 they purchased a 30 acre vineyard in McLaren Vale with the fruit featuring in the Dead Letter Office blend. Importer: Quintessential Wines, Napa, CA; tel. (914) 725-3479

Dark and juicy, showing pleasant cherry and spice flavors. Firm finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.??–HS??Region: Australia / Padthaway Select to Add

A solid, potent example of Shiraz, this 2008 doesn’t show any ill effects of the vintage-time heatwave, offering fresh, clean flavors of blueberries, vanilla and tobacco. Tannins are firm and slightly dusty in style, making this a solid choice with steak or roasts. Drink now–2015, and possibly a few years after that.——J.C.(11/1/2011)—— 90