2006 Hundred Acre Ancient Way Vineyard Summer’s Block Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia (750ml)

TASTING NOTES:

Deep garnet colored, the 2006 Ancient Way Vineyard Summer’s Vineyard reveals a provocative mlange of kirsch, plum pudding and blackberry tart scents with Chinese five spice, aniseed and wood smoke suggestions. Full-bodied and voluptuously fruited, with a wonderfully velvety texture, the palate is unabashedly seductive, finishing on a long-lingering aniseed note.

– Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 95 pts.

Glass-staining ruby. Intense, spice-accented aromas of cassis, violet and smoky minerals show distinct superripeness and power. Spicy, deep dark berry compote and floral pastille flavors offer excellent focus and vivacity for their richness, with a peppery flourish adding energy. The impressively long floral, smoky finish features building tannins and a strong licorice nuance.

– Vinous, 93 pts.

Smooth and distinctive for its black olive, licorice and balsamic overtones around a core of dark, brooding blackberry and currant fruit. Lingers intensely. (HS)

– Wine Spectator, 92 pts.