2008 Henry's Drive Shiraz

This opulent ripe Shiraz was barrel fermented and matured in new and old oak hogsheads and barriques (35% one year old & 35% two year old) of which 60% was American and 40% French oak. Opaque black dark purple colour with deep dark purple red hue. The nose exhibits scents of ripe blackberry, dark plum and dark chocolate with some liquorice end notes. Full bodied the palate delivers voluptuous flavours of ripe blackberry and liquorice followed by some dark chocolate, vanillin oak and spice. Velvet smooth tannins. Opulently textured with long ripe blackberry, liquorice, confectionary and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years (2016-2017)
Alc 14.5%

Other Reviews.....
In the remote, Limestone Coast sub-region of Padthaway (just north of Coonawarra and slightly warmer), Henry’s Drive has been producing well made, regionally expressive and well priced wines since 1998. All the vineyards here are family owned so the wines are made from estate grown fruit with the majority of the plantings in Padthaway at the base of north-south hills and some on the hills, planted to a mix of terra rossa and sandy loam soils. In 2006 they purchased a 30 acre vineyard in McLaren Vale with the fruit featuring in the Dead Letter Office blend.
Sourced from 4 to 5 vineyard sites mainly consisting of terra rossa soils, the 2008 Shiraz finished fermentation in oak; 60% American, 40% French oak, 30% new. Very deep purple-black colored, it begins with earthy notes of loam and truffles over ripe blackberries, crushed blueberries, warm black cherries and Mediterranean herbs with hints of mint, mocha and violets. Full-bodied with a medium to firm level of silt-like tannins, refreshingly high acid and good amount of fleshy fruit, it finishes long and savory. It delicious now though should open further with another year in bottle and drink to 2017.
92 points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate