Great 1996 Shiraz and Syrah taste-off

Here are my notes, in descending order of preference, on the eight great 1996 Australian Shirazes and North Rhônes tasted as part of Geoff Merrill's attempts to establish his Henley Shiraz on the world stage (see background story in wine news).

Henschke Hill of Grace Shiraz 1996 Eden Valley 18.5 Drink now-2008

The most distinctive wine of the tasting with the most layers and the most development in the glass. Mid-crimson with some development at the rim. Minty nose at first that was almost more reminiscent of Cabernet than Shiraz then became more animal. Some bouquet development was certainly...