Pillar Box Padthaway Red 2004

A fabulous value, this 20,000 case blend, assembled by renowned Barossa winemaker Chris Ringland, is composed of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Shiraz, and 11% Merlot, primarily from young vines. Ringland has rarely worked with such huge quantities, but he kept the wine in tank with a little exposure to American and French oak, bottled it unfined and unfiltered, and finished it with a screw cap. It boasts luscious black currant fruit intermixed with smoke, herbs, and cedar. Richly fruity, opulent, and medium to full-bodied, it is one of the great wine bargains of the world. Consume it over the next 2-3 years. -Wine Advocate

Not a bad option for a cheap red. Fairly good flavor, if not a bit light which could only be expected. Good fruit and a little unexpected spice on the back end. Definitely needs to breathe for 30-45 minutes, if not longer. First glass was very acidic but it smoothed out over an hour or so.

December 2007

It's got a nice balance of fruity and spicy, goes with burgers and spaghetti. And it's usually pretty cheap.

October 2007

Although it doesn't quite compare to my other low-cost favorite (Trenta Due's Old Patch Red), this is definitely a strong #2, and likely a better for people who don't drink red wine as much as I do. It's very fruit-forward, and that's some of the reason I can't get 100% behind it. That aside, this is a steal under $20.

September 2007

Rating: 85/100 - As reviewed by Wine Spectator on 09/30/06

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by James Halliday