2003 Shiraz Black Guts
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A flagship cuvee, the 2003 Shiraz Black Guts is fashioned from a 47-year-old vineyard planted in the Vine Vale section of Barossa. Its wood regime of 30 months in a combination of new American and new as well as old French barrels resulted in a fabulous expression of Barossa Shiraz. Deep, full-bodied, and intense with peppery, blackberry, smoky, roasted meat, and herb characteristics, a huge, expansive, chewy mouthfeel, and a stunning, 50-second finish, this profound Shiraz is approachable, but should age beautifully for 15-20 years. If you haven’t yet noticed, Christian Canute is one of Australia’s finest young mavericks. At the ripe old age of 28, he’s doing work that suggests someone with twice as much experience. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283
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Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
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Dark violet. Powerful, intense aromas of ripe blackberry and candied blackcurrant, lifted by vanillin oak spices. Thick, supple and almost sweet in dark fruit expression, with liqueur-like cassis and dark cherry flavors and a ripeness on the back that suggests Amarone. Outsized and rich but also nicely focused, with well-managed tannins. Finishes with admirable persistence and sweetness-if you like this style. Undeniably makes a statement.