WTN: 2002 Parson's Flat Shiraz-Cabernet, Padthaway

South Australia. Sparky and Sarah Marquis winemakers. Imported by Grateful Palate. 63% Shiraz, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon. 15.5% alcohol by volume. Some broken bits of cork and slight sediment issues. Deep purple color, opaque, viscous. Scents of dark berries and coffee or mocha. Tastes sweet from ripe, extracted fruit and a bit hot from the alcohol. I preferred this on the third evening--perhaps due to my mood or just growing accustomed to the ripeness of the fruit and the boldness of the alcohol. It's a good example of the Marquis-Philips style from the early days of the partnership with Grateful Palate's Dan Philips and will have appeal for those who like bold, ripe reds. I don't buy much in this style any more but will either consume or share with others my remaining bottle.

Opened another bottle of this this month. Dark berries, chocolate and mint on the nose and palate; ripe and rich. You can feel a little heat from the high alcohol percentage. Lots of peppery spice.

Hi Jane, I have stopped buying the Sparky wines as too big even for me. By the way, what is the other 10% of the varietal composition?

A typo on my part, Jim. 63% Shiraz and 37% Cabernet Sauvignon. I will correct the original posting to reflect 37% Cab.