2001 Kay Bros. Hillside Shiraz
Dark, intense baritone black fruit flavors, with a subtle background of molten asphalt, hints of tar and licorice; Med tannins give this wine some grip, and suggest reasonable aging potential. Not for the faint of heart, best sipped on its own with some good cheese and rustic bread. 93/100
2002 Barton Vale "The Challenger" Shiraz
Just as dark and dense as the Hillside, but significantly sweeter, bordering on cloying; some oak is clearly present. 87/100
2002 Torbreck Descendant Shiraz Viognier
Lightly lavendar floral nose that grows with some air; dark, intense, moderately tannic, touches of tar/licorice, balanced mid-way between the asphalt of the hillside and the sweetness of the Challenger; good finish, still improving when the glass was gone after about 45 minutes. 95/100. This would go fantastically a grilled T-bone. I'd need to try this directly against the 2001 version to be sure, but it seems that the '01 was slightly more complex, with a longer finish.
Regards,
Alan