This is another wine from Aussie Vineyards, under the AU "gold label." The Cabernet Sauvignon was so very good we went back for more, and picked up a couple bottles of the AU Barossa Valley Shiraz 2004 to try. And we'd go back for more, but they were sold out; this happens when you sell a $9.99 wine for $2.99, and then advertise the wine.

The AU Barossa Shiraz 2004 has an intense grape aroma on opening. It's a lovely color with bright ruby highlights. The wine is fruity but not at all jammy. It's much better after the bottle has aired about thirty-five to forty minutes. There's a slight alcohol burn, which is not really surprising at 13.9 ABV. The flavor is robust and rich. The fruit dominates with a little spice as well, an almost peppery bite that is reminiscent not so much of black pepper as roasted chilies. This wine would be lovely with rich tomato flavors, like a tomato-based pasta. I'm definitely going to be trying this wine with Lasagna, since it's robust enough to not be overwhelmed, or seem sour in comparison to the food. I can also see it going very well with Mexican food on the slightly spicy side.