WTN: Wakefield Shiraz 2004

Clare Valley.

Very dark purple in the glass.

Spicy and tarry nose.

Quite spicy, rich and sweet cherry fruit, smoky, chocolate and coffee.

An "okay" Oz shiraz, but without much to distinguish itself from the rest of the pack.

Talk about your timing!

I read your WTN and then saw the same wine reviewed in the Wine Enthusiast (a wine mag I tend to trust a bit more than than the WS).



Interesting take...I think they liked it a bit more than you did, Bruce.

Personally, I like the wine because it's got a bit more acid backbone to it than many of the Australian goops---but then I'm not exactly impartial, because my company reps the wine in the US.

Wine Enthusiast
90 Points, Editors Choice
“This wine takes some time in the glass to fully open up and express itself, but when it does, it’s a beauty. Hints of menthol and toast frame blackberry and blueberry fruit, while subtle notes of vanilla and coffee surround an earthy core. It’s full-bodied and viscous, with an almost Port-like texture and dry, dusty tannins on the finish. Hold three-five years.”

Thanks for your comments Hoke. I haven't bothered to do a search on previous WTNs I did on this, but I have a funny feeling that I also might have liked this wine more on previous experiences.

Perhaps it was just a slightly "off" bottle, perhaps it was my mood on the evening I drank it or perhaps the stars just weren't aligned properly. There are so many variables to consider and take into account in the wonderful world that is wine tasting.