WTN: Various Australian Shiraz

[futronic]

The third and final flight that was served at our wine dinner in January. A bit of palate fatigue started to play a factor come this flight.

2000 Pirramimma Reserve Shiraz

Deep ruby/purple/black colour. Stains the glass. Fat, thick, slow legs. Aromas of raspberry, smoke, mesquite, grilled meat, vanilla, iron, and a touch of bandage. Full-bodied with pepper, vanilla, and black fruits on the palate. Very present tannins in the wine. Long finish, 45+s. 91 points. Both mine and the group’s #1 WOTF.

1999 Penfolds St. Henri Shiraz

Crystal clear dark ruby red. Red/black crushed sweet fruit. Medium-full bodied with red fruit and a moderate finish. 86 points.

2001 Elderton Shiraz

Dark ruby/purple colour. Lots of legs. Reams of vanilla, cassis, and raspberry on the nose. Full-bodied with firm tannins. Vanilla, black fruit, cassis, and espresso on the palate. Long finish, ~50-55s with coffee and black fruit showing through. 89 points. My #3 WOTF. The group’s #3 WOTF.

1999 Leasingham Bin 61 Shiraz

Opaque purple/black colour. Aromas of vanilla, black crushed fruit, lavender, and blackberry. Glass-staining with lots of fat, thick legs. Sweet black fruits on the palate with nicely integrated tannins and oak. Moderate finish. 88 points. The group’s #2 WOTF.

2002 Marquis-Philips Shiraz

Deep purple/inky colour. Big nose of raspberries, cola, cassis, and a whiff of alcohol. Stains the glass. Minty notes develop with swirling. Full-bodied with sweet black fruit, vanilla/oak, pepper, and alcohol. Long, lingering finish, ~45-50s. Went well with the bumbleberry pie served for dessert. This wine was decanted for about six hours. 89 points. My #2 WOTF.

1997 Penfolds Kalimna Bin 28 Shiraz

Dark ruby red. Aromas of sweet red fruit and root beer. Medium-bodied with red fruits and well integrated tannins. The fruit seems a little soft on the palate and continues through to the 30s finish. 87 points.

1998 Merrivale Tapestry Bin 338 Shiraz

Opaque ruddy ruby red. Aromas of barnyard, garrigue, red fruits. Red fruit replays on the palate are joined by vanilla. Integrated tannins and a good finish. 88 points.