1996 Aberfeldy Shiraz

The 1996 The Aberfeldy, a blockbuster 100% Shiraz, made from a vineyard planted in 1904, has been aged for nearly a year in one-year old American casks, and then transferred to 100% new oak for 12 months. The wine has soaked up this treatment, which is also utilized by such wineries as Caymus in Napa Valley in order to impart a more oaky profile upon release. Tim Adams seems to have used it to civilize this large-scaled, monster wine. The alcohol is at least 14%. The wine boasts a dense purple color, as well as a rich, subtle, eucalyptus, blackberry/mulberry, tar, and spice-scented nose. Full-bodied, powerful, rich, and oozing with glycerin and extract, this superb, uncompromisingly Australian Shiraz is accessible, but should age nicely for 10-15 years. Tim Adams' red wines are all boldly-styled, fleshy, large-scaled offerings that are best purchased by those who desire plenty of flavor. Tim Adams continues to provide an impressive array of wine from old, dry-farmed vineyards in the Clare Valley, about 65 miles from Adelaide.