I have instituted a new practice. I have 3 or 4 dozen samples, tasters and bottles from the cellar in boxes, and have a bottle chosen at random and served to me blind. I think this is a good idea because it forces one to think about the wine, instead of using preconceived ideas drawn from the label.
This one is a cellar release from Dan Murphys. Initially closed, but with hints of gunsmoke and dried apricots. Yes, weird. Luckily it settled down after a hour or so and showed gentle aromas of plummy fruits, spice, red liquorice and some secondary leathery characters. The palate continued the red liquorice theme; in fact there were lashings of it, accompanied by mulberries, plums and spice, clean earth, acid, and a soft tomato stalkiness. A pleasant drink, perhaps still a bit unidimensional, so hold for a few more years before trying again. I would have bought a few more but when I went to Dans today they had sold out.
Rated : 87 Points
Tasted : Jun08
Alcohol : 14.0%
Price : $19.90
Closure : Cork
Drink : 2011 – 2016
Source : Dan Murphys