East Hills Wine Club

2004 Amon-Ra Shiraz

Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia 
Syrah (a dry red table wine)
Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005) 
Robert Parker 93 points 
Drink 2005-2020 

This dense ruby/purple-colored wine exhibits a sweet nose of vanilla, graphite, blackberry, and cassis. Full-bodied and pure, with decent acidity and a moderately tannic, silky finish, it is accessible enough to be drunk now, but will be even better in 1-3 years. It should last for a dozen years or more.

2004 Mitolo Shiraz G A M

McLaren Vale, South Australia, Australia 
Syrah (a dry red table wine)
Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005) 
Robert Parker 97 points 
Drink 2005-2020

Aged 18 months in primarily French oak, the 2004 Shiraz G.A.M. is an exceptional example of a precise yet full-flavored, concentrated Shiraz. Its gorgeous perfume of blueberries, blackberries, camphor, licorice, and pain grille is followed by an inky/blue/purple-colored wine offering superb purity, full-bodied richness, and gorgeous depth as well as texture. This fabulous effort is another example of Ben Glaetzer’s brilliant talents. It should drink well for 15 years.

For a winery only established in 1999, and dedicated to hand-crafted, artisinal wines, Mitolo has consistently been a revelation in my tastings. Thanks to owner Frank Mitolo and his brilliant winemaker, Ben Glaetzer, the quality has been truly splendid.