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NOTES
Named after the proprietor of the 19th century mail coach service which once ran through their property, Henry’s Drive Vignerons is the wine operation established by Kim Longbottom and her late husband Mark who sadly passed away in 2008. Today, Kim is continuing to build the family tradition of fine winemaking with brands such as Henry’s Drive, Parson’s Flat among others. These wines are testament to Kim and Mark’s dedication to crafting fine wines from Padthaway, one of Australia’s great wine growing regions.
TASTING NOTES
The first Pillar Box was erected in Australia after the introduction of postage stamps in the 1850’s. Several of these elaborately designed receivers still exist as stoic reminders of a time when beauty could be found in the most mundane – even in the posting of one’s letters. Awash with fruit and flavours the Pillar Box Red combines Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot into a wine which, in its first vintage, Robert Parker dubbed “one of the great wine bargains of the world”. Beautiful but definitely not mundane.
Displaying a dark colour and a vibrant purple hue, the 2008 Pillar Box Red has bright aromas of blue and dark berry fruit entwined with liquorice, spearmint and cigar box complexity. The palate is rich and fleshy, with flavours of fresh blackcurrant and blueberry fruit combined with orange rind, dark chocolate and spicy smoky oak characters. Whilst the tannins are full, the palate is round, soft and well balanced, leading into a lingering harmonious finish.
PAST REVIEWS (2008 Reviews not yet released)
More substance than expected, with all three varieties (Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot) contributing to the outcome, and to the exceptional value. Screwcap.15% alc. Rating 89 Drink 2011 Rating 89 James Halliday, Australian Wine Companion 2009 (2006 Vintage)
Purple coloured, it offers an enticing, fruity nose including aromas of cassis, black cherry, black raspberry and blueberry. Full bodied, ripe and layered with flavour, thjs wine totally over-delivers on my hedonist’s meter. Drink this awesome value over the next 2-3 years. – 91 Points Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #173 (2006 Vintage)
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