Aussie night with friends

We were invited to dinner by my "ittle sister" Sarah and her boyfriend Randy, who has an affinity for Aussie Shiraz, and Baroosa in particular. Aussie Shiraz is something I've gotten away from the past few years, so this was a good opportunity to check in a couple of bottles. Randy & Sarah put together a great dinner, starting with some excellent cheeses. For dinner Randy roasted some asparagus, and made a great prime tenderloin roast in an herbed-pastry crust, while Sarah chipped in with twice baked potatoes and a selection of desserts from the local bakery.

• NV Mumm Napa Cuvée M 89 Points

  USA, California, Napa Valley

  Pale color. Notes of biscuit, mineral and citrus, apple tones as well. Flavors of pear, citrus and stone with nice acidity and a good finish.

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• 2002 d'Arenberg Shiraz The Dead Arm 93 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Deep purple color. Aromas of violets, meat, black fruit and plum. Flavors of dark fruit, meat, blue fruit and caramel with hints of white pepper coming in on the finish. Still has some tannin to shed, but it is aging very nicely. Drink from 2013+.
  
  This had a half hour decant before being rebottled for travel. Went back into a decanter for an hour or so before tasted. All told, it was about 4 hours from the time the cork was pulled until the time we tasted it.

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• 2002 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz E & E Black Pepper 93 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Deep crimson color. Aromas of red currants, plums, florals, raspberry liqueur and violets; later, NEW saddle leather qualities. Full bodied, with terrific balance. Red fruit tones dominate, with subtle pepper, spice and plum qualities. Long, balanced finish. 93-94 pts.
  
  This had a half hour decant before being rebottled for travel. Went back into a decanter for an hour or so before tasted. All told, it was about 5 hours from the time the cork was pulled until the time we tasted it.

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• 2002 Henschke Euphonium Keyneton Estate 92 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa

  Popped & poured by our host. Notes of bright red fruit and whhite pepper, then florals: lavender and rose petals. Flavors of black cherry, white pepper, plum and spice. Finishes well.

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• 2002 Gibson Shiraz Barossa Vale 91 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley

  Popped & poured by our hosts. Deep garnet color. Opens with floral qualities, then red fruit, plum and pepper. Starts out with a hollowness on the midpalate, but it gains significant weight as it opens. Flavors of plum and red fruit, oaky spice and florals. Be sure to give this a bit of air before tasting.

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• 2004 Marquis Philips Shiraz 9 92 Points

  Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale

  Popped & poured by our hosts. Starts out a bit hot & alcoholic, which took some time to blow off. Aromas of black fruit, plum and violets. Full bodied, with dense, chewy tannins, and flavors of plum, black fruit, caramel and brown sugar. Needs to be decanted for a couple of hours if drinking now.

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