Tasting Notes

94
Vinous Josh Raynolds - 01 Jul 05
(includes 3% viognier) Saturated, inky, opaque ruby. A ripe, roasted, porty black hole of a nose. Impossibly ripe, musky, dense aromas of dark cherry, cassis compote, blackberry confit, molasses, fruitcake, violet pastille, licorice and candied rose petal. Thick to the point of being a solid, or at least a colloid, with dense, inky, even resinous flavors of bitter chocolate, creme de mure, coffee liqueur, licorice and black cardamom, accompanied by a spice rack of accents. The finish seems to never let go, which in this case is a good thing. Sticky, palate-staining and amazingly dense, a monument to this style of syrah.(The 2002 Descendant, reviewed in Issue 115, rated 91 points on my most recent tasting.)
Drinking Date:
Australia Vineyard Fine Wine

Australia

Australian wines are globally acclaimed for their diversity and quality, driven by varied climates and innovative techniques. Shiraz, the country’s flagship grape, shines in bold, spicy wines from the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale. Australia also excels in Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Riesling. Margaret River is noted for Bordeaux-style blends and elegant Chardonnays, while Clare and Eden Valleys are known for aromatic Rieslings. Top producers include Penfolds, Henschke, Yalumba, Leeuwin Estate, and Torbreck.