Amid the deluge of inexpensive so-called “critter” wines from Australia that has flooded the market for the last ten years – wines that have turned a quick and vast profit in the short term but may have done immeasurable damage to Australian wines in the long term – it is important to remember that Australia also offers great wines of quality. Many of these quality wines are made by the giant high-profile producers but as many again are made by dedicated small estates.

          Recently I found a little gem in the Andrew Hardy Little Ox Shiraz 2008. Winemaker Andrew ‘Ox’ Hardy sources grapes found on the upper Tintara vineyard in McLaren Vale – a vineyard that has been in the family since his great-great grandfather Thomas Hardy purchased it in 1877, and which is still tended by Andrew’s father Bob Hardy.

          The wine goes through no filtration or fining and is matured in old French oak barriques for 24 months. It has a limited production – 200 cases – and contains a big but never overpowering 15% alcohol. All this and it costs you under $20 here at ABC.

          So what about the wine itself? The 2008 Shiraz was awarded 91 points from Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar. Tanzer describes it: “Dark ruby. Extremely aromatic nose of blueberry, cherry liqueur, cola and incense. Lush and sweet but lively, offering energetic dark berry, cherry-cola and spicecake flavors. Blends depth and energy smoothly, finishing with impressive clarity, breadth and persistence. In the context of serious Aussie shiraz this wine delivers outstanding value.”

          A great quality wine from Australia at a reasonable price (while it lasts!) Try it with T-bone steak, rib-eye, and all red meats.

Bill Stobbs, ABC Wine Supervisor

(Follow me on Twitter at abcwinebills)