2003 Massena Shiraz The Eleventh Hour

Community Tasting Notes (53) Avg Score: 91.6 points

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  1/21/2022 - BHRH Likes this wine: 89 Points

  slow ox for 90 minutes. Darker, slight brown on the murky rim. Very slight oxidation on the nose that leads to sweet blueberries, darker spicy fruits and a touch of eucalyptus. Very ripe on the palate with thick, sweet rich black fruits. Fairly long finish with a touch of tartness. Any tannins are fully integrated. I believe this is 3+years past peak and on a slow decline. That being said, four hours later this rallied into a more classic Shiraz profile with some of the flaws either hidden by the dense, sweet fruit - or dissipated. Drink up - but recognize that this has the capacity to go through significant changes once opened.

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  11/12/2016 - JulianSkeels wrote: 92 Points

  My last note was spot-on but this only needs 15-30mins in a decanter now before back to bottle. Drink up to enjoy at peak.

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  6/6/2016 - JulianSkeels wrote: 92 Points

  This still needs a 1hr double decant. This is a very ripe and roasted shiraz with heavy medicinal (it isn't dark cherry) and roasted prune note - the floral nose and blueberry from a few years ago has really faded and only now shows on the long and lingering finish. Incredibly persistent, rich and sweet. Only the decent (and surprising) acidity level has kept this going, but it does come across as somewhat heavy and needs some juicy lamb or other roast meat to show its best. I'll be looking to finish the rest of my case this/next year with BBQs. Otherwise drink by 2020 to enjoy at peak. Still great QPR for those that like this style - I'm not generally a fan of the 2003 Barossa vintage but this has been a house favourite for the last 3-4yrs now.

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  1/16/2016 - JulianSkeels wrote: 93 Points

  (see my previous notes) 1hr decant still needed, some signs of age starting to show now - more liquorice, prune and savoury notes and the floral aromatics are less pronounced. Drink in next 2-3yrs whilst the fruit is still there, not sure this has the tannins or acidity to hold longer. Pair with low-acid food (simple game, duck and lamb best... would work with steak but I'd prefer a wine with more tannin/bite). Try next time with BBQ'd lamb canons, marinated pork tenderloins or duck breasts.

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  1/9/2016 - IAmVintage wrote: 92 Points

  Absolutely delicious. Jammy but not overly extracted ala Knotts Berry Farm. Deep dark black cherry fruit with nice long unctuous finish. Missing the structure, spice and tannins that would give it a higher score but the sincere depth of fruit & finish deserve respect.

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