HOPE ESTATE SHIRAZ "THE RIPPER" 2011

Forget Jack……. this bottle is a real killer!

From the Donnybrook Vineyard (sounds like an Auusie kind of place) and aged in 38% French oak and 62% American oak this gem has the perfect bottle age on it right now to enjoy or for the next few years. The Ripper means - “something excellent”, “fantastic”, “splendid” or my favorite “pedal to the metal”.

90 Points The Wine Advocate

 "This deep garnet-purple colored 100% Shiraz is intensely scented of creme de cassis, blueberry preserves and black cherry compote with an undercurrent of baking spices, vanilla, aniseed and dark chocolate plus a whiff of eucalyptus. Full-bodied, rich and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, it gives tons of black fruit and spice flavors that are framed by a medium level of velvety tannins and bright acidity. It finishes with good persistence.

Elsewhere at $24.99

Our Thoughts……

Inky dark red, black with purple hue. A generous blackberry aroma and dark cherry fruit characters mingle with undertones of licorice, mocha and cedary oak. The oak maturation has enhanced the spice and mocha characters of the wine while some open fermentation has helped enrich the fruitfulness and general complexity. This full bodied Shiraz will complement any red meat dish or white meat with rich sauce.