| Wine Notes: | Deep ruby, almost black in colour with aromas of pepper, blackberry, smoked meat and leather. Dry, youthful tannins, ripe fruit beneath. Needs 4+ years to really come together. (David Churchill, Vintages, July 2003). (Source: Vintages, September 2003). Another of the more impressive reds in today's release comes, not surprisingly, from the same winery. Cape Mentelle Shiraz 2001 ($24.95, No. 452516) borders on the bold, with big flavours of prune, cherry and violet, yet there's a Rhone-like firmness, spice and gamey quality here uncharacteristic of Australia's more classic McLaren Vale shirazes. (Source: Beppi Crosariol, Globe and Mail, September 6, 2003). |