The 2003 Shiraz is ripe, juicy, and fleshy. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with blackberry, charcoal, and fig characteristics, this medium to full-bodied, potent, mouthfilling red can be enjoyed over the next 2-4 years. The highly respected South Australian viticulturists/winemakers, Sarah and Sparky Marquis, in partnership with their importer, Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate, successfully launched the inexpensive line of Marquis Philips wines several years ago, creating something of a monster because of their enormous crowd appeal. While 2003 is a lighter vintage than its predecessors, these offerings have turned out nicely. The handful of consumers who deemed 2002 too concentrated for such inexpensive wines will be delighted to learn that the 2003s are slightly lighter, but still loaded with character as well as flavor. They possess heavy duty, exuberant fruit, ripeness, and considerable personality.Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

Spicy, generous, a bit rustic in style but nicely fleshed out, with olive-scented cherry and tar flavors that linger on the slightly hot finish. Drink now through 2008. 9,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / South Eastern Australia Select to Add