1998 Hardys Eileen Hardy Shiraz

Tasted 22/08/2001
This is a very refined style of Shiraz – quite unlike the ‘big fruit bombs’ that are typical of McLaren Vale and the Barossa Valley. Opaque crimson colour with purple edges. The nose is restrained, but slowly yields aroma of confectionery, violets, black cherries, spice and marzipan. The palate is mouthfilling, flavours of black pepper, plum and blackcurrant flavours are integrated with very fine oak and cedar. The palate displays real finesse and elegance, with excellent length and supported by velvet smooth tannins and an exceptionally long aftertaste of spice, blackberries and liquorice. Cellar 5-6 years.
96 points

Other Reviews…
Dense and brooding when first released, it has already evolved into a highly sophisticated marriage of fruit and oak on bouquet and palate; the latter's excellent savoury tannin structure balances the lashings of opulent fruit.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion

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