2006 Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet

Previously called Godolphin. Quintessential Australian blend. (Born of scarcity when Cabernet was in much shorter supply than Shiraz. In the 1980s Cabernet commanded a 20-30% premium over Shiraz in both grape and bottle prices.) 75% Shiraz. 14 months in 20/80 US/French oak (70% hogsheads, 30% barriques). TA 7.18 g/l. Bags of sweet ripe fruit but not overripe. Rich and spicy and powerful. Tannin and acid give a strong framework but it is filled out by rich fruit. A little spirity but there is so much of everything else that the alcohol doesn't stick out on the palate. (JH)

(75% shiraz and 25% cabernet sauvignon) Deep, glass-staining ruby. Spicy blackberry and blueberry aromas are complicated by smoky Indian spices and fresh flowers. Sappy, pure, deeply concentrated dark berry flavors stain the palate, with fine-grained tannins gaining strength with air. The spicy character repeats on the finish of this beautifully balanced blend, which is surprisingly lithe and precise.

The quintessential Oz blend of Cabernet and Shiraz was traditionally aged in US oak. In the 1980s Cabernet commanded a premium over Shiraz, which is perhaps why the Cabernet/Shiraz blend came about. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer. First release under the new name – previously known as Godolphin. A blend of 75% Shiraz and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon because the Cabernet was so good in 2006. Sweet and floral, deep violets and pure black fruit. But a little leafy note for freshness. Very rich and sweet and chocolaty. Deep and rich then there is a lovely dark smoky savoury edge and depth. But there’s also a freshness that lifts the fruit. Intense and rich but the fresh flavour comes in at the end to lift the whole. (JH)