TN: Peppertree Grand Reserve Wrattonbully Shiraz 2004

[Alex F]

From magnum. Cork very good and supple, slight 15mm stain on side. Ruby/blood red colour. No bricking. Closed on opening, but really develops with gentle aeration in bottle. Nose: Leather, slight char, dusty, very dusty, cola and sarsparilla notes supporting berry jam aromas. Palate: intense blackberry/raspberry liqueur. Slight hint of stewed fruits. Spice, mainly aniseed. Stalky structure in support. Well judged acidity, it has me reaching for more. Mouthfilling. Fans out at the finish, which is lengthy. Full marks; 5/5 stars. A shiraz that belies its 15% alcohol and never deviates from perfection. A reminder of why we cellar wine (or in this case, buy wine someone else has cellared).