To say I am excited about today’s tasting would be an understatement. Many years ago, I discovered this Shiraz in a wine shop in Anchorage, Alaska. The local restaurant also carried it so it was easy to avail myself of this heady Shiraz, the little brother to the iconic Armagh. I have searched high and low for over 10 years, until today. Nestled into a corner of the local wine shop in Hong Kong were 5 bottles. I’m trying this one out and will return for the others if it works out. Here goes….
It has changed with the absence of a cork, replaced with the ease of a screw cap. Fully opaque, dark and brooding… Like I remember. The nose offers up sweet damson, charred oak, plums and lilac. I get a little blackberry jam note as well. The palate is as I remember- rich, deep, layered and chock full of flavors. It’s a lighter, less jammy version of the older ones which makes it a bit fresher and easier to drink. Blackberries, delicious oak, blueberry pie and vanilla all swirl around the palate. There is a very gradual introduction to the tannins, which are super fine grained and not very obtrusive. This wine has a very lush mouthfeel, it coats my gums and palate with delicious dark fruits from the front to the back. The astringency is well in check and there is a touch of acidity that keeps it fresh. This wine is a pleasure to drink, I am loving it. I would imagine it would pair beautifully with Filet and Bearnaise, or you can just sip it alone like I am. 93 points from me for this $38 effort that gets 5 stars from me. Drink till 2029. Salut….
