Other than fascinating me by interchanging a's with er's (and vice versa) at the end of their words, the many Aussies I work with are generally the most happy-go-lucky people I've ever met. Come across Australians while traveling outside of the country, and they are the first to say hello and have a drink with you. I joke with all of them that Australia is party central, and they never disagree.
Well, my idea of an Australian party is drinking their amazing Shiraz all night. I don't care what the wankas or tossas say about Aussie Shiraz being over-oaked or overripe. I find them amazingly flavorful with deep long finishes, and of course the oakiness they've become somewhat known for. One of the best I've had is from Henry's Drive.
I splurged a year ago and picked up a couple of bottles for $30+ each (this is expensive for me. i am not a collector yet, wine snot). I cracked the first with a rich dish of braised beef in chipoltle. I would argue that a dish with smoky, rich, spicy flavors needs a New World wine and indeed I am yet to be incorrect on this. The 2002 Henry's Drive Shiraz (not the Reserve, which I've heard is even better) has a long, intense, ripe fruit finish that we truly enjoyed. If you own it or buy it, note that you must let this breathe for at least 30 minutes. The difference is substantial. Worthy of the price, here's where you can track it down.
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