1995 Water Wheel Shiraz

The 1993 Waterwheel Shiraz was outstanding - and voted the bargain of the year. The 1994 was very good, but lacked the depth and concentration of the 1993. The 1995 is again outstanding - and even more remarkable is the price. Most of the Australian wine industry is pushing prices upwards - capitalising on existing export demand and the temporary shortage of red wine. Winemaker, Peter Cumming is doing the opposite - no movement in price, yet Cumming could easily charge $20 a bottle retail and still sell out. The philosophy is to improve the quality as much as possible and build and retain a loyal customer base for when the bust comes.The 1995 vintage experienced drought conditions in central Victoria - as opposed to the excessive rain experienced in the Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula. Let us further add that not all droughts are good - excessively bad droughts cause the vines to shed their leaves, and thus fail to ripen the fruit. In 1995 the conditions were such that the fruit was allowed to fully ripen and achieve incredible depth of flavour. Yields were low, below 3 tonnes per acre, further adding to concentration and depth. One third new American oak was used - coopered in South Australia from aged American oak.

- ON A PRICE QUALITY RATIO SCALE THIS WINE IS UNBEATABLE -

ALTHOUGH THE YEAR HAS JUST BEGUN - THIS WINE IS ODDS ON FAVOURITE FOR THE BARGAIN OF THE YEAR

It's a bit premature to declare a wine the BARGAIN OF THE YEAR, but we'll lay a bet that given the anticipated price rises, this wine is bound to be the winner. Tasting notes: The colour is fantastic, and immediately it is apparent that a quality, concentrated red of the correct composition is about to be sniffed. Wonderful ripe Shiraz nose. Blackberries abound - confectionary, toasty oak, black pepper and hint of vanilla. Superb. The palate has weight, great concentration of flavour and persistence. Mouthfilling. Ripe blackberry flavours, liquorice and spice with distinct black pepper flavours on the back palate. Excellent balance and long liquorice, pepper and blackcurrant aftertaste. Cellar 5 - 8 years. This is world class Central Victorian Shiraz - Outstanding value for money.The unfortunate trade off with concentrated drought vintages is that the yields are low and supplies are limited. Our advice is to stock up as much and as quickly as possible. Don't miss this one.