This dark red to purple Aussie varietal with a crimson rim has a nose of pork fat, blackberries, eucalyptus. On the palate it has a blast of spice which tastes like eucalyptus, mint, and cinnamon like the “red hot” candies all rolled into one. It is quite “hot” (meaning harsh) though on opening.
With some breathing–give it a good 1-2 hours–vanilla comes out in the rear and the harshness tones way down to yield a full flavored, heavy but tasty wine that is robust and bold. This wine was given a Wine Spectator rating of 91 points and yet it cost only $11 and seems to be broadly available.
This is worth hunting down. Remember to taste your wines right on opening even if you’re going to breathe them. Sometimes a layer or two comes and goes and you just might miss it if you don’t.
Serve up something with backbone to go with it and raise a glass.
I'm a big Shiraz fan, but wasn't that impressed by this one. I was quite surprised by that high rating, because I've tasted what in my opinion was far superior Shiraz both from South Australia and New South Wales.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried any of the other Aussie ones - particularly some of the Wolf Blass President's, Black or Platinum labels - or those from Tempus Two and Peter Lehmann's?
I too thought the Wine Spectator rating was a bit inflated; I would give this wine an 88 maybe an 89 but to break the 90 barrier, it has to be something really special.
ReplyDeleteUse the search engine within the blog to find our reviews of the Peter Lehmann Shiraz. Haven't had the Wolf Blass but since you like it, I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tip and raise a glass! (PB)
Re. the Lehmann Shiraz - don't need a review to know that it's good. ;)
ReplyDeleteActually, anything with the Lehmann name is usually very, very good - I'm fond of the Shiraz, but I prefer their "Clancy's" blend (Shiraz, Cabernet, Merlot). Their Riesling is also excellent - one of the best South Australian Rieslings I've come across.
Keep an eye on the label for the Wolf Blass. I found the Yellow Label Shiraz a little too dry for my liking, but the Red/Black/Platinum label are all excellent (the last two though will hit you in the wallet). Their Shiraz-Cabernet blends are excellent too.
BTW, are you based in the US?
(NW) is out of Boston, (PB) out of Central Maine, Billy) out of Minneapolis! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteI thought it was great the first time I bought it. But I got a bottle the other day and the cork was britel, and it tasted like cr*p.
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Good day,
ReplyDeleteI see that this reserve 2003 can stay a little longer in cave. Anyone can tell me when would be the best moment to taste it?
I really did not care for this wine at all, of course I tried it straight out of the bottle. Maybe if I let it breathe for a few hours it would have calmed down a bit and been something to enjoy. It was just way too alcoholic...I understand that shiraz and zin usually have a higher alcohol percentage, but I do not like when it tastes as if I am drinking a bottle of whiskey.
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