Wine of the Week: Two Hands Lily's Garden Shiraz, 2004

 

I was going to tip you off on a lovely Pinot Noir Rose from Kosta Browne, in the Russian River of Sonoma County. But the wine appears to be unavailable so there is no point in being a grape tease. Instead, I offer you an Australian gem that appears to be readily available, and, in one case, offered for an amazingly reasonable price. Apparently, people are too busy looking for the Carnival of Love to pay proper attention to this one...

Robert Parker writes of the 2004 Lily's Garden McLaren Vale Shiraz, from Two Hands: "Even better than the Harry & Edward’s Garden is the 2004 Shiraz Lily’s Garden from McLaren Vale. With this cuvee, about 25% new American oak is added to the regime of French wood. Full-bodied with stunning, dusty, loamy soil characteristics interwoven with blackberry, cassis, cherry, and plum-like fruit, this rich, pure, intense Shiraz should be consumed over the next 10-12+ years." 95 points

The Wine Spectator says: "Lithe, almost elegant, with impressive depth of flavor and fine texture. The flavors center on blackberry, cherry, dried tomato, exotic spices and mineral notes as the finish sails on and on against refined tannins. Best from 2007 through 2016. 1,500 cases imported."94 points

The Dabbler says: "Mmmmmmmmmmm, yum. Great with Thanksgiving dinner, I would venture to guess." Two thumbs (or should I say hands?) up.

Grab this from K&L Wine Merchants, who offers the wine for the lowest listed price around, $36. On the East coast, if shipping is a concern, Capital Wine in upstate New York stocks it for $45. Elsewhere it can be found for up to $60 a bottle, and it's easily worth it.