There are 1,000 cases of the 2002 Descendant, a blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier that spent 18 months in 2-year-old French oak. The fruit is sourced from the section of the Barossa Valley known as Marananga. The Viognier and Shiraz are co-fermented together, and the name, Descendant, comes the fact that it is essentially the same blend as the famed Run Rig, but sees no new oak. A magnificent effort, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Descendant offers gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries, raspberries, licorice, acacia flowers, and the added notes of honeysuckle and apricots from the Viognier. Full-bodied and opulently textured, with good tannin, structure, purity, and a broad, expansive finish that lasts nearly a minute, it needs 1-2 years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15+. Importer: Deborah Gray, The Australian Wine Connection, Carlsbad, CA; tel. (760) 438-5714

Tremendously aromatic, with spicy, leafy, floral and gamy character wrapping around a core of dark, brooding fruit, turning leaner and less generous in the mouth, finishing with a nice mineral touch. There's a lot going on, but it never quite breaks out-maybe with cellaring? Shiraz with 8 percent Viognier. Best after 2007. 700 cases made, 225 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Barossa / Barossa Valley Select to Add