2005 Enchanted Path Shiraz-Cabernet

The 2005 Enchanted Path (66% Shiraz and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in primarily American oak, 60% new) is fashioned from relatively young vines. It reveals an amazing opaque purple/blue/black color (always a hallmark of Marquis wines), a full-bodied, powerful, smoky nose, extravagant layers of fruit, spice, glycerin, and extract, full body, superb intensity, tremendous richness, and a seamless personality. It is a textbook example of a southern Australian red at its richest, fullest, and most pure. For consumers with open minds and progressive palates, this amazing red should age beautifully for 10-15 years. Readers should not forget the value-priced Mollydooker cuvees from Sarah and Sparky Marquis that I recommended in issue #165 (6-30-06), including the 2006 Verdelho The Violinist ($15; 92 points), 2005 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Two Left Feet ($20; 94 points), 2005 Cabernet The Maitre d’ ($20; 92 points), and 2005 Shiraz The Boxer ($20; 95 points). Importer: kylie@grapesinternational.com.au