2002 Shiraz Apricot Block

The prodigious 2002 Shiraz Apricot Block (only 10-year-old vines) was produced from fruit cropped at 1.5 tons per acre. Its big, peppery, floral, blueberry, blackberry, pen ink, and vanillin-scented bouquet is followed by a wine with a nervous energy that is totally in keeping with the cool 2002 vintage. Dense, with great purity of fruit, a fabulously multi-layered, full-bodied palate, and an inky finish with enormous concentration, sweet tannin, and superb overall balance, this young, unevolved Shiraz should begin to strut its stuff in 3-4 years, and last for two decades. If I had to select the number one Australian winery, it would be hard not to choose the Greenock Creek Winery, run by the humble, shy Michael and Annabelle Waugh. The quality that emerges from this estate is extraordinary. In short, these are thrilling, world-class wines that are about as compelling as wine can be. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283