Andrew Hardy Little Ox Shiraz 2005

"The vines for the 2005 Shiraz "Little Ox" were planted in 1999, grown from cuttings taken from the original vines planted in 1891. The wine is opaque purple/black with glass-coating glycerin. The impressive nose consists of brooding black cherry and blueberry aromas with notes of spice box, game, chocolate and espresso. This leads to a remarkably layered, full-bodied wine with spicy dark fruit flavors, superb balance, well- concealed tannin, and a 45+ second finish. This spectacular value will improve with 3-5 years of additional cellaring and drink well through 2020. Talk about over-delivering! Serious Shiraz lovers might feel embarrassed to cellar a $17 wine but it is unlikely that this wine will ever be this inexpensive again. Take advantage." 93 Points
-Wine Advocate