Rolf Binder (Australia) Christa Rolf Shiraz Grenache 2002
This wine comes from a cult estate in the Barossa valley, with three wines already annointed with 99-points by Robert Parker. This modest 8.99 bottle has already picked up 91-points from Parker, and is named after Rolf’s sister and fellow winemaker, Christa. It is a 60/40 blend of low-yielding Shiraz and Grenache, which sees about 25% new French oak. It has a lovely dusty, schisty quality on the nose at first that is very Rhone-like, then a fine, ripe, glossy depth of black fruit emerges with a little cedary elegance and plenty of bright, fruity appeal. On the palate it is crisp and fresh, with a solid core of ripe fruit, but not without some elegance with cherry acidity and supple tannins in the background. A beautifully handled balance of powerhouse and restraint, delicious, and very good indeed. £8.99 Great grog
