TN: 2002 Arakoon the Doyen Shiraz

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:29 pm

2002 Arakoon the Doyen Shiraz

From this week's tasting bench. I tried a number of wines, the good ones will appear in the next mailout, the ordinary ones will not be heard from again!

One stood out however as much for my surprise as for its quality. Surprise because its not a style that usually appeals to me. In this case though, quality shone through.

Now I'll be the first one to admit that I did not personally enjoy the 2001 of this wine. It was just so ripe, so rich, so everything I felt it lacked balance. That said, many customers disagreed and it sold very well indeed.

So I opened the 2002 on the tasting bench with a slight trepidation, and an expectation not to like it! How wrong could I be, the 2002 version is wonderful.

Much more structured and balanced, while still being full on in the house style for this wine. The colour, as is to be expected, is full purple red, the nose is a delight, exotic spices mingle with plum and berry fruits, loads of chocolate, hints of liqueur plums, floral hints and loads more, very expressive indeed. The palate is even better, ripe but not overdone, hints of oak, but in balance, with a rich and satiny mouthfeel, great length and some already developing complexity. The wine has superfine almost invisible tannins and actually would work well with richly flavoured foods. Very well done indeed for those who like rich flavours in their reds!

Recommended.

ChrisH · Post by **ChrisH** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:50 pm

Agreed Gavin. The Doyen was one of the few reds I really liked at the recent Divine McLarenvale tasting. Lots of rich fruit but in balance and not over the top. A classy McLarenvale.

regards
Chris

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 1:52 pm

ChrisH wrote:Agreed Gavin. The Doyen was one of the few reds I really liked at the recent Divine McLarenvale tasting. Lots of rich fruit but in balance and not over the top. A classy McLarenvale.

regards
Chris

Thanks Chris

Its encouraging for those who post tasing notes to receive a response or two, agreeing, disagreeing, asking questions etc.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:01 pm

Alcohol level Gav??

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:13 pm

Adam wrote:Alcohol level Gav??

15.5 but does not show it.

Adam · Post by **Adam** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:27 pm

Last vintage was 16.5%....I found it undrinkable!!

Gavin Trott · Post by **Gavin Trott** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 2:42 pm

Adam wrote:Last vintage was 16.5%....I found it undrinkable!!

Agreed, me also.

I really like this one, but suggest if you contemplate buying some, try it first, its that style of wine.

Of course I know how hard that is in Sth Korea!! :roll:

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Mon Apr 19, 2004 7:17 pm

Good to see another note on this. Didnt try the 01, but sheesh, i thought this was pretty in your face.

I served this to a tasting group who, as a whole, dont go for this style of red, but I tihnk it went down well. Scored at 90 to 91 points. I liked it enough (along with other Arakoons, theres a TN down the page) to buy a mixed case from them.

Gav (and others), what do you think of the ageing potential of the 02 Doyen?

cheers

Andrew