Robert Parker, Jr.'s, The Wine Advocate:  Rated as An outstanding wine of exceptional complexity and character.  "It was aged for 12 months in French and American oak; 10% of the latter was new. It offers an enticing bouquet of wood-smoke, earth, bacon, and blueberry. Supple-textured, plush, and friendly, it has gobs of flavor, excellent grip and length, and enough structure to evolve for 2-3 years. Drink it through 2016." Aug 2008. 

Winery:  "First-rate parcels of Shiraz with a little of its old-vine compatriots, were blended to create an abundant wine.  Liquorice and blueberry entice the nose, and velvety tannins and subtle oak soften the palate.  Rolf Binder has drawn out the very best of the Shiraz berry, full-bodied and juicy, hale and hearty."

Wired for Wine:  Designated a "Five Star Winery" by James Halliday and honored as Barossa's 2005 "Winemaker of the Year",  Rolf Binder has produced a fantastic Shiraz.  The woodsmoke and earth in the Hales partners perfectly with barbecue and barbecue sauces.  We had spectacular barbecue beef on a bun just last night, and the only thing which could have improved it would have been some Hales. In the same vein, a hamburger done your favorite way with lots of ketchup would be delicious too.  This juicy Shiraz is great with a variety of grilled meats too, especially sausage.  Make a large batch of those sausage and peppers and watch the crowd dive in.  For more sophisticated Italian fare, we suggest a sumptuous osso buco with some wild rice on the side, tossed with saut�d Shitake mushrooms.   Not cooking tonight?  One of our alltime favorite takeout dishes is Peking duck.  Bring some home and wrap it in the tiny pancakes with Hoisin sauce and scallions.  The Rolf Binder will be the only other thing you need. 

Life is short, drink wine.
 
Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  2006
Varietal: 100% Shiraz (Syrah)
Alcohol:  14.5%
Region:  Barossa Valley, South Australia