Since this the thread is taking a turn for the worse, I thought I’d post something along the lines of why we are all here – for wine.
2014 Marius Simpatico ShirazI decided to open a 2014 Simpatico Shiraz and give my new Zalto Bordeaux glasses a try. I gave it about a 4 hour decant.
On the nose it struck me as very similar in profile to the big end of town US Syrahs. (in a positive way). There is a nice purity of fruit, which almost, yet never descends, to a confected note – something I’ve found in the quality US ones that seem to do this so well. Dark fruits and blackberry abound with raspberry intertwined throughout. Some nice spices and hints of white pepper. This is a really enjoyable nose that I kept on coming back to.
On the palate the mouthfeel is luxurious, soft and supple, a real basket pressed texture. The acid is quite prominent at the moment, with velvety tannins rounding it out creating a really elegant wine. Great length. This is a lovely balanced wine even at such a young age. There is a hit of red fruit on entry, then it is swamped by the darker fruits as it moves through your palate.
For me this is where McClaren Vale should be - power with finesse. I’m tired of the typical big styles that are cloying and hot. The Simpatico is proof of what the region is capable of and at a reasonable price. I think in years to come it will be considered a benchmark for the region.
