The WINEFRONT

• By Gary Walsh
  1/17/2009 (link)

  (Engine Room Shiraz) Subscribe to see review text.

Vinous

• By Josh Raynolds
  July/August 2008, IWC Issue #139 (link)

  (Engine Room Shiraz McLaren Vale) Subscribe to see review text.

RJonWine.com

• By Richard Jennings
  3/9/2010 (link) 89 points

  (Engine Room Shiraz) Opaque red violet color; berry, plum, black fruit nose; berry, plum, black fruit palate, a little hot; medium finish

• By Richard Jennings
  1/11/2009 (link) 91 points

  (Engine Room Shiraz) Dark red violet color; vanilla, caramel, boysenberry ripple nose; boysenberry, berry, soft palate with balance and orange acidity; medium finish

Garagiste

• By Jon Rimmerman
  11/7/2008 (link)

  (ENGINE ROOM Shiraz) Engine Dear Friends, Here's a recession-buster of a special that most of us would be happy to have laying around the cellar. When guests arrive and you don't know where to turn, turn to this - it's the perfect bottle to greet them with a suave and stylish impact. With one of the more memorable wine labels I've seen (certain to start a conversation), the "hair curler" label is unmistakably Engine Room. From 100% estate fruit (this is not a blend or from cast-off fruit), the quality of the 2005 vintage is apparent immediately - the winery claims this will age for a number of years (at least 6-8) and the depth of fruit backs that up (this wine was never intended to be a bargain/drink-now example). While serious in composition, it is still a velvety wine you can open tonight with abandon and not worry about cost or relative guilt. It has moderate alcohol for Shiraz from the McLaren Vale (14.0-14.5%) and loads of flavor wound around a red and black fruit core - they suggest Indian spiced lamb as a perfect accompaniment and I wouldn't argue. It's a good value, one of the better examples of Vale Shiraz out there. In today's world, it's tough to bring you a wine this good for less than $15 (let alone less than $16-18) - this is not a 100,000 case cuvee of Marquis-Phillips - this is real, boutique level wine from a fastidious producer. The 2005 Engine Room Shiraz will be enjoyed by CdP fans as well and those that lean toward a more silken outlook - a downright great buy from the McLaren Vale: HIGHLY RECOMMENDED as a huge amount of bang for your buck. ONE PARCEL ONLY at this price, what should be about the same as in Adelaide: 2005 Engine Room Shiraz McLaren Vale (Shottesbrooke) Thank you, Jon Rimmerman Garagiste Seattle, WA Aus4788