The 2005 Shiraz The Fastback, which was made by Reid Bosward, exhibits an inky/purple color in addition to a sweet perfume of blueberries, blackberries, and pepper. Richly fruity, nicely extracted, medium to full-bodied, elegant, and long, it should drink well for 2-5 years. Slipstream is essentially the negociant label (although it includes some estate fruit) from importer Ben Hammerschlag’s home estate in McLaren Vale. This young, 35-year-old, who has done so much for Australian wine, expects to release wines under an estate name (the name of which I do not yet know) beginning with the 2006 vintage. These releases include the Fastback Shiraz from his estate, a Sauvignon Blanc from Western Australia, and a Shiraz/Grenache that is a blend of fruit from his own estate and elsewhere.Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376

Firm, juicy and beautifully focused, packing in blueberry, plum and sweet spice flavors under a blanket of refined tannins. Needs time to develop, but it's a keeper. Best from 2009 through 2015. 700 cases made, 500 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

Crafted by winemaker by Reid Bosward (of Kaesler) and sourced from importer This well-endowed Shiraz should impress novices and connoissieurs alike. Despite 15% alcohol, there’s no sensation of untoward heat, just waves of amazingly pure blueberry and blackberry fruit, capably framed by vanilla and baking spices. It’s creamy and lush in the mouth, and finishes long, echoing with fruit and spice. Drink now–2013.——J.C.(4/1/2007)—— 93