Haan Prestige vs Flinders Run Shiraz

Haan Prestige vs Flinders Run Shiraz

For midweek casual easy sipping with cheese, dark chocolate and berries, we enjoy big bold Aussie Shiraz. Last week and this, we opened these two - Haan Prestige and Flinders.

Flinders Run Southern Flinders Ranges Shiraz 2006 

We love this wine and consider it a benchmark representation of Southern Australian Shiraz at its very best, and at a pricepoint between $25-35 it offers a relative great QPR (Quality to Price ratio). I wish I could find more of it. Not sure what happened to Flinders Run. It appeared on the market selectively for these vintages and we haven't see it since. We acquired several cases when we discovered this and we've broken into the last one with this bottle. As it ages it has taken on a darker riper raisiny profile with tones of creosote and tin - flavors that Linda favors but are a bit over the top for my liking.

Like earlier comparison tasting of varied big reds, this continues to be a big hit. Consistent with earlier notes, the 2006 Flinders is dark inky purple, full bodied, powerfully scented bouquet of dark berries, smoky minerals and fresh flowers bursting with flavors of thick chewy black raspberry, blueberry and cassis with layers of nut, vanilla and hints of mocha flavors on a tongue coating lingering finish with tones of black tea and what Parker refers to as 'pain grillé' which is the French word for 'toast'. As much as we like this wine, the 2005 may be even better, being more polished, smoother and more balanced.

RM 93 points. 

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=579974

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=421985

http://www.flindersrun.com.au/

Haan Prestige Barossa Estate Shiraz 2003 

Not a fair fight perhaps as this is a lesser version of the Flinders above in all respects, not as bold, expressive, fruit filled, forward or flavorful. Never-the-less it is a nice casual sipping Shiraz. Such is the bar that is set with the Flinders.

This is medium bodied, spicy, earthy leathery super ripe black berry fruit, touch of menthol, hint of vanilla on a long spice finish.

RM 89 points.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=174207

http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2013/05/hall-and-keenan-napa-cabernet-duo-haan.html