Nine Stones Hilltops Shiraz, 2006

I've enjoyed the Barossa and McLaren Vale bottlings from Nine Stones, a winery owned by Australian wine writer Len Evans. They are very good and typical of Barossa and McLaren Vale Shiraz. This is my first try of the Hilltops cuvee, from vineyards in the hills near Canberra in southern New South Wales. And I may never go back to the other two. This is cool climate Shiraz, the way I like it.

Deep ruby red with some purple tones; looks New World but smells and tastes more like an Old World wine. Black fruits, cassis and black pepper. Very well presented. Light on oak tannins but lots of grip and substance from the peels. Not at all sweet, alcoholic or thick. A well balanced wine with aromas and flavors that keep coming from all directions.