Acker Merrall 2002 Aussie Blind Shiraz Showdown
Amuse
Tasted November 4, 2005 by trankin with 1,125 views
Introduction
Big Guns 02 Aussie Shiraz tasting. I was told last week that the 02's were in a bit of a funky spot. While these wines were generally very good, only a couple really did it for me. Hopefully they'll all improve, but that remains to be seen.
Apparently they were all decanted for approximately 2 hours, and were in the glass for another 2.
My favorites, in order, were the Amon Ra, the Henry's Drive, the Greenock Alice's, Kay Brothers Block 6, and the Shirvington. The group's top 5, in order, were the Shirvington, the Run Rig, the Greenock Alice's, the Kalleske Greenock, and the Astralis.
Flight 1 - Flight 1 (5 notes)
This was my favorite flight. Really enjoyed these wines.
Red
2002 Kay Brothers Shiraz Block 6 Amery Vineyards
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Dark red, purple, thick. Nose of chocolate and cassis. Creamy. Sweet chocolate, raspberry - or is that raspberry-chocolate cake? Round and smooth. Some black pepper.
Red
2002 The Colonial Estate Shiraz Exile
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Deep dark red, very thick. Sensual, smooth nose. Creamy, dark plum, slight spice. Dark chocolate, sweet fruit, blackberry, cassis. Big mouthfeel, very round. Excellent.
Red
2002 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Thick dark purple. Spicy, blackberry nose. Yummm... Spicy dark fruit, blackberry, licorice, a little oily, tannic. Beautifully built and wonderful.
Red
2002 Henry's Drive Shiraz Reserve
Australia, South Australia, Limestone Coast, Padthaway
Dark purple, semi-thick. Nose of black pepper, raspberry, cocoa. Rounded spice, silky but spicy at the same time. Vanilla, chocolate, smooth oak. Excellent.
Red
2002 Torbreck The Factor
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Dark red, full bodied. Nose of red fruit and peach? Chocolate, red, very round. Sweet. A bit of fig.
Flight 2 - Flight 2 (5 notes)
My least favorite flight. A corked Dead Arm, plus a weak Integrity and Glaetzer.
Red
2002 Greenock Creek Shiraz Alices
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Incredibly dark red, very thick, almost opaque. Nose of alcohol, red fruit, blueberry and a touch of cream. My main impression is not quite ripe blueberries. Also ripe blueberries, big red fruit, plums, some tannins, nice spice - white & black pepper. Excellent. WOTF
Red
2002 Marquis Philips Shiraz Integrity
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Dark reddish purple, thick. Nose of acids. Sweet and spicy. Raspberry jam, thick, heavy. Black pepper, stewed prunes. Too spicy, not quite balanced.
Red
2002 Kalleske Shiraz Greenock
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Opaque purple with a touch of red. Muted nose with a little tobacco. Deep, dark fruits, blackberry, spicy black pepper. Oaky, sweet vanilla. Round. Not fully integrated or balanced but has alot of potential.
Red
2002 Glaetzer Shiraz
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Dark red, rather thick. Barnyard on the nose. Less fruit than others, but still round, thick, jammy with dark fruit and chocolate. Wondering if there's a slight taint?
Flight 3 - Flight 3 (5 notes)
Good wines in this flight, but nothing that blew me away.
Red
2002 Noon Shiraz Reserve
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Langhorne Creek
Dark red, with some purple. Spicy sweet cream on the nose, with blueberry and white pepper. Beautiful nose. Oaky, red fruit - almost cherry or strawberry but thicker and slightly tart.
Red
2002 Clarendon Hills Astralis
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, Clarendon
Red, the thinnest in appearance of the night. Medium/full bodied. Nose of alcohol, leather, red fruit. Dark red fruit on the plate. Black pepper, raspberry. Very nice. Rhone-like. I like this alot.
Red
2002 Torbreck RunRig
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Purple, medium-full bodied. Nose of blackening spice? Woods? Pine needles. Slightly hot and alcoholic, but otherwise really very nice structure and flavor. Red fruit, chocolate, pepper. Medium-long finish. This needs a few years.
Red
2002 Shirvington Shiraz
Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Deep, dark red. Nice blueberry and raspberry on the nose. Creamy raspberry and spice - hint of cayenne, black pepper and brambles. Some jam but not jammy. Very Very nice. WOTF.
Red
2002 Kaesler Shiraz Old Bastard
Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
Reddish purple, dark. Alcohol and white pepper from a muted nose. Alcohol and raspberry, creamy blueberry, white pepper on the palate. Nice but doesn't blow me away.
Closing
Overall not quite as thrilled as I was hoping, but several gems, and none that I really didn't like.
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