2004 Schubert Shiraz Goose-yard Block

Inky violet color. Very ripe aromas of cassis, plum and boysenberry, complicated by notes of cola, sassafras, candied licorice and black pepper. Fat and viscous, with great depth to the sweet, liqueur-like dark berry, vanilla and baking spice flavors. Gained freshness with aeration, picking up a brighter kirsch quality, but this is a big, bruising shiraz nonetheless. Most wines pair well with certain types of dishes but this big guy might go best by itself.

This deep, fat, black/purple-hued Shiraz boasts loads of exuberant blackberry and cassis fruit along with hints of leather, game, and smoked meats. Drink this full-bodied, rich, pure, impressive effort over the next decade or more. Oct 2006, www.robertparker.com