Reviews & Ratings

2005 Rolf Binder Australian (Red Blend) "Halliwell"

Winery: Rolf Binder

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Halliwell"

Wine Category: Australian (Red Blend)

Grape blend: 56% Shiraz & 46% Grenache

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Barossa Valley

State or country: Australia

Price: $24

Cases produced: 7,000

KWG Score: 90.7 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (93.99-90)

Review date: October 4, 2007

Wine Review: Halliwell mean masterful according to Rolf Binder and this wine reflects the work of a master. This is a damn good wine for $24. This dark purple wine opens initially with a slightly musty and earthy bouquet. However, upon swirling the wines spicy black fruit takes over the bouquet. On the palate, this medium to full bodied wine is round, juicy, and has slightly sour and a bit acidic black cherry flavors with hints of chocolate. This wine changes quite a bit over the course of a glass, which makes it quite intriguing. The finish is very dry, has fine tannins, and is noticeably extended for a while. This wine would pair very well with a tomato and basil sauce based pasta dish. I would suggest decanting this wine for about 15 minutes to bring out and enhance its best qualities. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: The true key to the wine is the Grenache. In the years Shiraz is strong and bold, the Grenache is somewhat subdued but in others, the Grenache leaps out with spice cherries and strong tannins. Winter 2004 produced above average rains, followed by a warm spring with good flowering weather in late November. Summer started with a cool December, rains in January and a dry February. A warm autumn caused an early vintage. The quality of the 2005 vintage is sure to be ranked as one of the best on record, after 2002, with all varieties showing strongly. The Shiraz is generally considered as good quality.

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