McLaren Vale
Richard Hamilton
A 96-4 per cent blend of Shiraz and Grenache.
Decanted about 45 minutes prior to dinner.
Dark purple in the glass.
Berry, floral, chocolate notes on the nose.
Medium weight, rich fruit, black cherry and backberries, cedar, drying, tarry, good acidity, red licorice, mildly tannic, drying toward the end.
A drying finish with some berry fruit and some chocolate.
With time, the wine shut down, becoming harder, more tannic and dryer. Obviously would benefit from some short-term cellaring.
Screwcap closure.
Purchased at $18.95 (Canadian).