WS 92; $24 (this is from WS, not sure what retail is)

This was a fine addition to the cellar from the PNW Soiree grab bag.

Here is the review – I can’t add much to this. “Heady, smoky fruit aromas of sweet cassis, plum and raspberry matched in their intensity by cedar, chocolate and vanillin oak influences, clove, cinnamon and white pepper. Very ripe, succulent and velvety-smooth, with an almost searing intensity of small black and red berry fruit tightly integrated with fine-grained tannins. There evident alcoholic warmth, but the wine handles it easily.”

Mr. Winetex likes his syrahs and this one ranks up there. It is a little hot on the finish but otherwise is very balanced. It was very good with grilled sausage and veggies and a buy for us.

Winetex. I've been on the lookout for this one but to no avail. Like you, I am a huge Syrah/Shiraz fan. They are beginning to overtake the Cabs in my cellar.

Winetex, I was at St Hallet's cellar door last month. The Blackwell on tasting was the '99. Not quite up to level on the '98, but very nice none the less. Give the '98 a few years in the cellar if you can keep your hands off.
There was also a very nice cellar door only at St Hallet's on tasting. Called Third Century Shiraz, it's made from 80-120 year old vines and is from the '98 vintage. The epitome of Barossa Shiraz in my opinion. If you know anyone heading to the Barossa, make sure they get some of this for you. ($54 AUS a bottle)

Fredman - agree with you on syrah etc. We have more Rhones, Aussies, etc. than cabs. Lately we've been dabbling more into the Oz wines.

edit to add - if you can't find this in your area Spec's has it and will ship - (888) 526-8787. It's not in their dbase so you can't do online but I saw it out on the floor.

Aussie - thanks for the reco. I just might know someone going to the Barossa soon. On another note, I was able to try the Henschke Hill of Grace a few weeks ago. What a fabulous wine!

[ 10-23-2002, 08:54 AM: Message edited by: Winetex ]

winetex. I called Specs but they said they were only carrying the '99. Thanks anyways. Cheers.

Fredman - hmm. I swear I just saw this. I'll check it out since they have so much inventory that sometimes their computers are off. If they have some I'll hook you up.

Thanks, Winetex. I would appreciate it.

fredman - bad news but I'm not crazy that they had this. They had 10 bottles or so left of the '98 and they were purchased after we started this conversation. I bought a bottle of the '99 to see if it is any good.

to the individual who purchased them - good job. I know who you are.

Thanks, winetex.

Winetex - in Houston over the weekend and spent 4 glorious hours at Specs downtown (said Hi to Enron!) and scarfed the last 1998 Remezieres Hermitage Cuvee Emile at $44 (lots of 2000 left). More high-falootin syrah for me - what's that "cab" word that keeps being dismissed on this thread?

Enjoyed the wine and cheese party - I mean tasting - of Spanish juice and various goat and cow by-products. Also nice to see lots of well-priced V Girardin Burg (starting at $20), but downside is the Bordeaux is ridiculous (1997 Margaux for $250???).

TR99 - I'm glad you enjoyed it. It really is a fabulous store. Did you try the Marcona almonds from Spain at the tasting? They are just sinful...and good with wine as well.

Their Rhone & burg selections are great. If they would just get the VG Corton it would make my day.