Nose:jammy blackberry and plum with some spice and loam
Palate: Limp and flabby in the mouth
Finish: weak finish
Overall: I paid about 17 for this and an unsatisfied. For a South Australian Shiraz at that price point it should have a bigger mouth feel instead of being like a cold wet noodle. The big fruit forward nose is heavy on the fruit and too light on the spice that should accompany a big shiraz.
If you see this in the bargain wine rack, maybe think about buying it, otherwise pass it by.
Either way, raise a glass!
I'm no wine guy but the specialty food guy at the market recommended it to go with jalapeno pimento cheese appetizer and the dinner of NY strip, grilled asparagus and blue cheese potato salad and it worked perfectly! It was a great compliment and I truely enjoyed it! I don't know if it was too expensive for what it is, i paid $15.99, but i have NO complaints!
ReplyDeleteI am a wine guy and have drunk each and every vintage of the Shiraz, Primitivo, Malbec and now Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley. The thing that I love is that the wine outperforms on the palate against so many other insipid Aussie cheap Shiraz. As we all know, Jayson Woodbridge of Hundred Acre fame makes the wine which predetermines you to have the best of the best no matter the price point. I like Eric's comment...it's a wine for the regular guy, the people and for those who are looking for world class wine at a price.
ReplyDeleteAn employee @ the Chelsea Market wine store in New York suggested I give it a try and I fell in love. It's inexpensive and the chocolate undertones really do the trick. For $16 a bottle, it's more than I could expect!
ReplyDeleteThis wine is a great value! I bet in 2 years it will open up and bring some spice to the finish. I is not quite as good as the 2005 but is still a great wine at this price point. I just picked up a case to add to the Cellar. Grill up a steak and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteWe recently purchased a bottle at a Northern California Costco. Inexpensive, and an excellent Shiraz. Whoever said the 2008 vintage of this wine is weak, etc. simply doesn't know good wine. We live in Southern California, and now I'm shopping for more. This is all a good happy wine should be -- fruity, tasty, and reasonably priced.
ReplyDeleteWow, a weak wine? I'm no wine connoisseur but I loved this red and at $16 a bottle, I'm going out to buy more. Will enjoy it immensely with my grilled "prime" Filet Mignon this weekend, can't wait.
ReplyDeleteApparantly Billy stands alone - I as well have had the pleasure of enjoying this as well as the other Layer Cake offerings; they all offer exceptional wine value for those of us who cant drink Hundred Acre Ancient Way Shiraz every day.
ReplyDeleteIf you like the Shiraz, be sure to try a case of the Primitivo.
Im CDN eh
Apparantly Billy stands alone - I as well have had the pleasure of enjoying this as well as the other Layer Cake offerings; they all offer exceptional wine value for those of us who cant drink Hundred Acre Ancient Way Shiraz every day.
ReplyDeleteIf you like the Shiraz, be sure to try a case of the Primitivo.
Im CDN eh
It is quite possible that (Billy) had the misfortune of getting a corked bottle and didn't realize it, hence the review. I too enjoy the Layer Cake Shiraz and have found it for $12. Raise a glass!
ReplyDeleteloved the 06 shiraz, so tasted the 08 (tasted great) and bought two cases. what a mistake. every other bottle is REALLY BAD. leaves a sour aftertase. fruit forward, but off. some bottles are as great as the first one i tasted. breathing doesn't help. con't know why there is such bottle to bottle variability.
ReplyDeleteany ideas?
Re: "Dad's" query--To have the amount of "bad" bottles in a single case or even two is well beyond what is known as "bottle variation." Assuming this wine is screw cap which I believe it is, it sounds like contamination in the vinification/bottling process. At any rate, you should return all such wine to where you bought it for a full refund! I have never had anyone refuse me a refund for "bad" wine!
ReplyDeletethanks PB. Spoke with the store today. they said the same thing. could have been transportation or warehouse storage and return all bad bottles.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Billy. It's flat, somehow off. Lacking any of the depth and personality of previous Layer Cakes.
ReplyDelete