Robert Parker 98 Points!
Robert Parker 98 Points!The 1997 Shiraz Reserve comes close to resembling a dry vintage port. One of the most concentrated wines I have ever tasted (reminiscent of the Clarendon Hills Astralis), yields were not low at 3.5 tons per acre, but the 35-year old vine age and sur-maturite of this wine have resulted in something special. It boasts an opaque black/purple color, followed by a sumptuous nose of licorice, Asian spices, tar, and concentrated blackberry fruit. Thick in the mouth, with remarkably full body and surprising balance, the alcohol (15.8%), tannin, and acidity are lost in the cascades of fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. A name to watch for is Drew Noon, who has taken over his father's winery, and apparently hit the bull's eye with everything I tasted in 1997. Noon's wines taste like the essence of their respective varietals, pushing concentration and extract to the limit, although I did not sense that they were over the top. These are wines of extraordinary depth and richness, with amazing upside potential in the bottle.
Wine Advocate # 122
Apr 1999 Robert Parker 98 Drink: 2003 - 2025
Country:
Australia
Region:
SA- McLaren Vale
Variety:
Wine Red - Shiraz
Size:
750mL
