Apricot Block / $39.99
Barossa Valley, South Australia
I always bring a good bottle of wine to any social gathering, especially around the holidays. Most of the time, it is a bottle of wine from my cellar, that has been aged at least a few years. I learned a long time ago that wines need some time to allow their flavors to consolidate, the tannins to soften. This time in the cellar changes the wind considerably. It softens the tannins, and for my palate, makes the wine more enjoyable to drink.
While we are drinking the wine, I am often told the wine is fabulous....where can they buy some now? The disappointment is immediate when I tell them the wine for that particular vintage is no longer available. Today's selection comes from Jon Genderson at Schneider's Wine in Washington DC. He is clearing his warehouse, and has many wonderful wines on sale.
This particular wine is a 1999 Shiraz from Barossa in South Australia. It has been in the warehouse for 6 years, and is fully mature. This wine was originally $50 when released, and the recent 2004 vintage was released at $80 per bottle. To be able to buy this 93 point wine at less then $40 is downright fantastic.
The wine is opaque purple and highly aromatic. Blackberries, cassis, blue fruit and pepper blend beautifully. Wonderful fruit on the front and finishes with a bit of pepper on the finish....Soft tannin...almost non-existent....easy to drink....This is why you lay wine down. The results are beautiful, and the opportunity to pick some up at this price is rare.
This still has great balance, good structure and should last for another 5-6 years in the cellar.....why wait?
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