RMP’s note:
The hugely extracted, massive 1999 Shiraz Reserve tips the scales at 15.2% alcohol. From Shiraz vines that average 35-40 years of age, it was aged in a combination of small and large oak barrels as well as puncheons. There are 580 cases of this behemoth. An opaque blue/purple color and a knockout nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with spice box, pepper, asphalt, and licorice soar from the glass. Opulent and viscous, with tremendous palate presence, beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this superb, larger-than-life wine is a tour de force for a lighter weight vintage such as 1999. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020. 96 points.
My note:
Bottle was obtained directly from Grateful Palate and stored, unmoved, since release in 55 F/50 RH conditions since. As I swirl my first glass, volatile acidity is coaxed from the bottle but little more. This out of balance, undrinkable, and horrid imposter of a wine is hot, woody and acidic. Whatever fruit is left here is of the black variety but there is an underripeness and sweet tart element to it that just makes finishing a glass quite difficult. I can’t really assess the mid palate or length of finish because, going down, it is mildly burning my throat and I have forgotten momentarily that I should be thinking of descriptors. Anticipated maturity: at its inception. 65 points. My wife hated it slightly less than I did, and when forced to score it she said 70.
PS We followed this up with a beauty of a wine…2007 Rochioli Little Hill, which was singing with cherry and cola notes. Didn’t ponder long on it, but it was delish. 93 points.
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