Ripe, focused cherry and blackberry flavors buzz with extra orange peel, mint and spice overtones as they zing through the long, vivid finish. The tannins are beautifully integrated. Best from 2010 through 2016. 800 cases made, 800 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / McLaren Vale Select to Add

The 2006 Shiraz “The Fastback” was tasted just prior to bottling. The fruit was sourced from Ben Hammerschlag’s vineyard and was aged for 16 months in used French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it has an enticing nose of mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry. Full-bodied yet elegantly styled, the black fruit flavors are quite intense but narrow, and the finish moderately long. It will evolve for several years and may well fill out at which time my score may appear conservative.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

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