2003 11th Hour Shiraz

Wow, the super concentrated 2003 Massena Shiraz The Eleventh Hour possesses a gorgeous nose of dark fruits and chocolate, a silky mouth feel and a great finish. Awesome wine.

Very, very open, vibrant, dense, exciting tension on the nose. Then sweetness. Alcoholic but well-made. (JR)

A pre-bottling tank sample of the 2003 Shiraz The Eleventh Hour (100% Shiraz from 60-year-old vines in the Greenock sector) was aged in primarily old French barrels and small foudres. It smells like a flower garden planted among acres of blueberry fields. A dense ruby/purple color and the stunning aromatics are followed by an equally complex, elegant, medium to full-bodied Shiraz with fabulous concentration, great balance, and tremendous purity as well as intensity. Drink this distinctive effort over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376