The 2005 Zinfandel “Chookshed” was aged in 100% new oak, 70% French and 30% American, for 18 months. It is purple-colored with an enticing nose of briar, bramble, and blackberry liqueur. Full-bodied (16.5% alcohol), layered, and intensely flavored, it comes off as a dead-ringer for Martinelli’s “Jackass Hill” Zinfandel. Drink it over the next 5-7 years. Rusden is owned by Dennis and Christian Canute with the talented Christian serving as winemaker. The vines were planted in the early 1970s in the tenderloin of the Barossa. Christian Canute has a unique ability to produce wines of great finesse combined with the intensity and power obtained from Barossa Valley fruit.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; www.rusdenwines.com.au; Also tasted: 2006 Chenin Blanc “Christian” (83)

A briary, open-knit Zinfandel with hints of strawberries on the vanilla-scented nose. Juicy and berry-filled on the palate, with ample varietal character, accentuated by zesty acidity on the finish. Drink now–2010.——J.C.(11/1/2007)—— 88

A blockbuster effort, the 2004 Zinfandel Chookshed is comparable to a top Turley Zinfandel from Napa Valley. Aged for 18 months in 70% new French and 30% new American oak, there are 400 cases of this cuvee, which tips the scales at a lofty 16% alcohol. This stunning, pure, juicy, succulent Zinfandel exhibits aromas of spring flowers, blueberry liqueur, pepper, and spice. It is unquestionably the finest Australian Zinfandel I have ever tasted. If you haven’t yet noticed, Christian Canute is one of Australia’s finest young mavericks. At the ripe old age of 28, he’s doing work that suggests someone with twice as much experience.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

Australian Zinfandel can be very good, but so little is produced that it always fetches an outrageously high price. The spicy, ripe 2003 Zinfandel Shookshed reveals a hint of volatile acidity along with large-scaled, concentrated flavors, and abundant peppery, briery fruit. However, it will never be confused with the finest California Zinfandels. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283