Winetastic

Another day another Shiraz, this time it is the Longhop Boomerang Shiraz 2005, which is the entry level “drink young” offering from the winery.

Mere moments after opening, vibrant aromas of sweet plum and berry were present. Intense dark plum and cherry flavours are followed by a wave of spicy oak and tannin on the palate. One day after opening the tannin had toned down, however ripe blackberry fruit flavours remained as intense as ever. It should be noted that the winemaker has avoided creating a “jammy” or overripe style.

For my tastes this wine really does need a little time to settle down, I expect it will be a cracker bbq wine in two years. At $13 per bottle (case price) direct from the winery, you would struggle to find a better value for money Shiraz.

Score: 89/100
Price: $15
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 15.5%
Other Opinions: Torbwine
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes, very good quality for the money.

I purchased a mixed dozen of wines from Longhop last week based on a nod from the Red Bigot, 4 bottles each of the Boomerang Shiraz 05, Old Vine Grenache 05 and The Longhop Old Vine Reserve 2004, which is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and 35% Shiraz.

Inky purple/red in colour, this wine exibits complex aromas of fleshy plums, cherries, blackcurrant, and mint/eucalypt. On the palate there is an initial burst of juicy plum and blackcurrant fruit, chased down the line by plenty of powdery drying tannin that leads into a very long finish with hints of mint and charcoal. A powerful but well balanced wine.

The quality of this blend literally oozes out of the glass, however it really does need a few years in the cellar to allow the feisty tannins to settle down.

Score: 92/100
Price: $25
Closure: Screwcap
Alcohol: 14.5%
Other Opinions: Vinosense, Torbwine
Would I buy this wine again?
Yes at $25 it represents good value for money.