2005 Brave Faces Shiraz/Grenache
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Tasting notes
(a 65/35 blend) Bright ruby. Intensely floral nose offers spicy raspberry and strawberry preserve aromas underscored by zesty minerality. Deeper blue fruits on the palate, with subtle baking spice notes arriving on the back. Gains structure and focus with air, finishing on a bright, youthfully taut note of red berry skin, with noteworthy persistence.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
A brilliant effort is the 2005 Brave Faces, a small barrel-aged (20% new) blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Grenache. Flamboyant aromas of black and red fruits, spice box, flowers, and toast are followed by a rich wine with loads of texture and glycerin as well as a heady, full-throttle yet velvety finish. It should drink well for a decade. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Dark ruby. Fresh and exuberant on the nose, offering a mineral-laced bouquet of blackberry, candied plum and fruitcake; intense floral notes emerge with air. Sweet and silky but nicely focused, the dark berry flavors held in check by gentle, dusty tannins. Finishes soft, with a note of violet pastille.