This isn’t too far off of typical McLaren Vale wine… thick and yummy, but with the addition of Grenache to the Shiraz, it has more complexity, and a notable vegital factor. Based on the flavor profile, and especially for the sake of the Grenache, this could have used at least another couple of years in the bottle to develop. Still, I liked it quite a bit.
The fruit is pure and more on the red side than usual Aussi Shiraz and has nice dry tannins and slight acidity. I especially like the spices on the mid-palate, but not that fond of the tanginess on the back end. Once that subsides you’re left with an aftertaste that is similar to having had a good vinagrette salad with black pepper.
In all this is a nice wine that should please many critics… and has. I’ll have to side with Rober Parker on this one (91). Steve Tanzer gave it 90, as did Wine Spectator.
Price: $13
Rating: 91
