2004 Ares

Inky violet. Initially brooding, dense and chocolaty, then quickly unwinds to show the full range of dark fruit tones: boysenberry, mulberry, blueberry, blackberry and cassis. A complicating note of smoked meat emerges with air, along with sexy oak spice (this was raised in 100% new French oak of fancy lineage) that adds a sweet impression but doesn't get in the way. Huge, mouthfilling, layered and rich but also remarkably fresh and vibrant, with the dark berry flavors joined by a brighter cherry quality that adds vibrancy and thrust. A powerful suggestion of exotic spicecake develops on the finish, which shows big but thoroughly buffered tannins. Amazing shiraz that should develop for many years to come.

The 2004 Shiraz Ares is spectacular. Aged 12 months in 100% new French oak, the Ares is produced from the finest 20 barrels from the Bella’s Garden cuvee. Inky/blue/purple with notes of graphite, blueberries, blackberries, black currants, licorice, and smoke, this is a full-bodied, super-rich, intense, fabulously pure, rich Shiraz with a multidimensional mid-palate as well as a 45+ second finish. It will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age, and should keep for 2-3 decades. Robert Parker, Oct 2006