Two from the Hilltops

From the vineyard where the 2009 Jimmy Watson winner was sourced, this is two of the latest (multi award winning releases). Certainly much to like...

Moppity Vineyards Hilltops Shiraz 2008 - Roasted Cherry, Cranberry and musk red fruit, with just a twinkle of hammy stink, leading to a palate that tastes of a little stem influence. It's cherried, musky and just medium bodied trailing away on the back palate but still savoury and stylish enough for real enjoyment. Good. 16.8/89

Moppity Vineyards Reserve Hilltops Shiraz 2006 - Much more purple in colour, this has a suitably ripe nose of stewed, meaty red fruit and a liberal dose of black pepper. Surprisingly, the palate is much more medium bodied and almost pretty in its peppered red currant flavours. I was initially expecting this to be cooked, but instead it carries the stewed red fruit and pepper style of Hilltops Shiraz off with some aplomb. It's perhaps a little baked, which I'm no fan of, but it hasn't lost its freshness as a result. Quality wine. 17.5/91

(Both wines were sample bottles).