TNT: Thursday Night Tasting @Grand Cru Wine Shop

Stop by the shop for a great tasting of Australian Wines! 5-7pm.
2010 Flegenheimer Brothers "Reserve Red" (McLaren Vale, SA)
Regular price: $32.99
Event price: $26.99
This was a real treat to taste, a distinctive blend of Australian Shiraz and Petite Sirah, deep and dark while retaining an easy drinkability.  The Wine Advocate scored it 93+ points and talked about its "creme de cassis, warm plums and dark chocolate" notes.

2010 Kaesler "Stonehorse" Shiraz (Barossa Valley, SA)
Regular price: $37.99
Event price: $30.99
Focused and concentrated, yet thoroughly enjoyable to drink right now, this avoids the overyly jammy style of so many Aussie Shirazes.  Nor is it over-oaked, instead concentrating of classic spice and pepper fruit.  And don't forget to look for the ripe blackberry and blueberry notes that linger on the palate in a fine finish.  The dean of Australian wine writers, James Halliday, scored this a 94 pointer.

2010 Massena "11th Hour" Shiraz (Barossa Valley, South Australia)
Regular price: $47.99
Event price: $37.99
This is a gorgeous expression of old vine shiraz, combining rich berry fruit with spice and smoke.  The vineyard yields were so low that the owners were going to tear the vines out, but it was saved at the "11th hour".  Stephen Tanzer scored this 92 points (which makes it a 94 from anyone else!), and described it as having a "long, velvety finish of impressive clarity."  Plus it just tastes damn good! 

2012 Glaetzer Shiraz "The Bishop" (Barossa Valley, South Australia)
Regular price: $39.99
Event price: $31.99
I've admired this wine over the course of many vintages now.  Its power and concentration always impress, probably because of the blend of 35 year-old and 120 year-old vines.  As the "little brother" of the justly-famous -- and expensive -- Amon-Ra Shiraz from Glaetzer, it represents exceptional value.  (Not yet reviewed, but trust me -- this is truly delicious stuff.)

$10