Kaesler Shiraz Barossa Valley Old Vine 2005

Deep ruby. Powerful raspberry and cassis on the nose, with exotic Asian spice and floral oil accents. Liqueur-like dark berry flavors are impressively poised on a silky, midweight frame, with gentle tannins building on the back. Takes a turn to bitter cherry on the long, juicy finish, with the sexy spice notes repeating.

A good value in old vine Barossa Shiraz, the inky/ruby/purple-hued 2005 Shiraz Stonehorse (100% Shiraz from 15- to 45-year-old vines aged in used oak for 15 months) exhibits an explosive nose of sweet black cherries, cassis, tar, spice box, and licorice. This full-bodied, sexy, up-front effort is impossible to resist. Enjoy it over the next 4ndash;5 years.

Broad, fresh and open, a lively mouthful of currant, blackberry and dusky spice flavors, picking up peppery notes as the flavors persist against very fine tannins. Best from 2008 through 2012.

Dark violet. Pungent, spicy bouquet of blackberry, candied plum, kirsch and violet. Silky in texture, with good weight and impressive vibrancy to the tangy blackberry and blackcurrant flavors. Gentle tannins provide support to the sweet fruit, with bright floral tones adding complexity to the finish. A wonderfully expressive, fruit-driven shiraz that's delicious right now.

Luxurious Drinks offers you: Wine - red - 2005 - Kaesler Stonehorse Shiraz - Australien - Region: South Australia - Apellation: South Australia - Syrah - 750 ml.

Kaesler's deep ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Shiraz Stonehorse (100% Shiraz aged in a combination of French and American oak) exhibits a big, sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, pepper, and spicy oak. Its opulent, richly fruity, full-bodied, yet well-balanced style suggests it will drink well for 10-15 years.

The 2002 Shiraz Stonehorse (the least expensive of Kaesler's Shiraz offerings) is spectacular. It is indicative of just how special this vintage is in the Barossa. It is a teeth-staining, mouth-filling, extremely concentrated Shiraz displaying a level of quality that makes the 2002 Bogan and 2002 Old Bastard's potential quality level look scary. The inky purple-colored Stonehorse offers a great perfume, beautifully integrated wood, and sensational richness as well as length. A prodigious effort that easily conceals its 15.5% alcohol, it should drink well for 10-15 years.