2002 Peter Howland Pine Lodge Vineyard Mt. Barker Shiraz

Old vine Shiraz from Western Australia. An atypical Australian Shiraz, reminiscent of a well made Côte-Rôtie. Clear color with intense purple core and garnet rim. Clean and pronounced nose with a mature bouquet. Peppery on the nose with hints of black raspberry. Medium dry on the palate with balanced acidity, black fruit and black pepper finish. More earthy than fruity, though. Fruit is not intense and oak is mature vanilla French oak.

If I had tasted this blind, I would swear it was from the Northern Rhone.

Outstanding Quality. Drink now (decanted) but will keep up to 10 years.
Retail Price: $30
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