O’Aristocratis Sparkling Syrah McLaren Vale 2005

O’Aristocratis Sparkling Syrah McLaren Vale 2005 ($95) – The ultimate love-it-or-hate-it style of wine, this Sparkling Shiraz (or Syrah, in this case) is attractively packaged, but much more importantly, has the benefit of some considerable ageing – on lees (disgorged in 2011) and under cork. On days when doing extensive tastings, I always try and pick something good for later that evening. This choice was a no-brainer. 

An opaque maroon hue, there are notes of mocha, licorice, blueberries, chocolate and black cherries. There is some real plushness on the palate and we see the emergence of notes of plums, fruitcake, chocolate and plum pudding. Very long, and rather hedonistic, there is already some complexity evident. Still fresh and balanced, this is a really good sparkling red and should provide pleasure for another twenty years. If you like the style, get on board. 96.