Stephen Tanzer:  Rated as "Outstanding". 

"Glass-staining ruby. Crushed blackberry, blueberry, spicecake and licorice on the nose. Dense, juicy and sweet, with impressively fresh black raspberry and cherry-cola flavor. Finishes very long, with silky tannins and impressive mineral snap."

Wine Spectator:  Rated as "Outstanding - a wine of superior character and style". 

"On the tart side, with bright berry and pomegranate flavors that zing across fine tannins and linger on the lively finish, hinting at tea at the end. Drink now through 2017."

Winery:  "The aroma has a very intense bouquet of mineral, roasted chestnuts, fresh crushed currants, burnt toffee, spices, dark chocolate and lavender; this is brooding and will take a few more months to develop further.

The palate is very full on and juicy, starting with a huge amount of layered and penetrating black fruits. The mid palate is quite extended and leads nicely to a moderately long and supple finish. This is all very dark fruits, with an almost Christmas cake/chocolate tart-like texture, which is a really fun ride. The tannins are initially sweet then bone dry finishing nicely on slow, drawing tannin. This is a drink now wine that will age well in the medium to short term and will give great pleasure for up to 5 years."

Wired For Wine:  Loosen your belts everyone, this powerhouse Shiraz is waving you over to another robust Fall meal.  For the traditionalist in you, the Two Hands will be a stunner with braised lamb shanks with ratatouille on the side.  If you're like us and always looking for a reason to make barbecued spareribs, look no further!  If you're recovering from the rigors of holiday shopping, the Gnarly Dudes are all you need to go with your favorite hamburger.  Pile on the mushrooms, because they love a hearty Australian Shiraz like this one, and don't forget the ketchup; its sweet tang will balance the Dudes' powerhouse fruit and impressive personality like a charm.  Make mine medium, and toast the bun!

Size:  750 ml
Vintage:  2008
Varietal:  100% Shiraz
Alcohol:  15.2%
Barrel aging:  12 months 12% new French oak, 88% 1-4 year old French oak
Region:  Barossa Valley, Australia