The most enjoyable for drinking now are the two 1997s, a theme that was repeated time and time again in this Australian tasting. The 1997 Shiraz Hanisch Vineyard was one of the most complex and drinkable wines we tasted, and was far more evolved than its massive stablemate, the 1998, or the more rustic 1996. Sweet plum, fig, cassis, and blackberry characteristics are followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned wine displaying no evidence of tannin or wood. This beautiful 1997 should hold for another 7-8 years, but there is no reason to defer your gratification. This is the home estate of Rolf Binder, one of the most talented winemakers in South Australia. As the tasting notes indicate, these wines are holding up beautifully.

The most enjoyable for drinking now are the two 1997s, a theme that was repeated time and time again in this Australian tasting. The 1997 Shiraz Hanisch Vineyard was one of the most complex and drinkable wines we tasted, and was far more evolved than its massive stablemate, the 1998, or the more rustic 1996. Sweet plum, fig, cassis, and blackberry characteristics are followed by a full-bodied, gorgeously proportioned wine displaying no evidence of tannin or wood. This beautiful 1997 should hold for another 7-8 years, but there is no reason to defer your gratification. This is the home estate of Rolf Binder, one of the most talented winemakers in South Australia. As the tasting notes indicate, these wines are holding up beautifully.