Notes from the Wine Depot Barossa vs. Rhone tasting.
Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau 2005 - Dark. Very slight sweetness. A bit spicy. Good body and balance. Good length. Could use a bit more time in the bottle as the tannins are still a bit rough. Not bad.
Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2002 - Sweet, caramelly nose. After 30 minutes, reminded me of sour ball candy. A little woody but not oaky. Still quite tannic. Spicy. Good length. I used to dislike this wine but it seems time has mellowed the sweetness and has given it more complexity. Very good.
Vins de Vienne Cote Rotie Les Essartailes 2005 - Lovely nose; crushed berries and toffee. Later, Bordeaux-like pencil shavings. Very dry, medium-bodied. On the palate, still closed. Strong tannins. If the nose is anything to go by, this should be very good when it comes around.
St Hallett Blackwell Shiraz 2004 - Extremely dark. Ripe berry nose mixed in with oak. Smooth and oaky. Too much oak for my taste. Dry and woody finish. Didn't like it at all.
Kaesler Old Vine Shiraz 2004 - Strawberry, rich, fruity. Full-bodied Oz style but well balanced. Dryish finish. Very good.
Vins de Vienne Crozes Hermitage Les Palignons 2005 - Woody notes and berries on the nose in equal measure. Still closed and difficult to evaluate.