Eden Valley Wines Eden Valley Old Butts Shiraz, 1999

"Old Butts" refers to the 90-year-old vine butts, gnarled trees similar to those that are common in Gigondas and Chateauneuf du Pape of Southern France. Fluids move slowly from these old butts to the leaves and fruit, contributing to the intense, concentrated flavors of the wine.

Brick-like colors fading to orange at the rim. Crusted sediment on one side of the bottle--a good sign. Well developed bouquet. Minty eucalyptus notes typical of some traditional Aussie wines. But also the savory grilled tomato, black olives of a Syrah from the northern Rhone. Powerful and well focused. Black raspberry, pepper, spice. Good acid structure and long, clean finish. Special wine.