Penfolds BIN 128 Shiraz 2006: Review

Coonawarra

Penfolds Wines

Australia

14.5% abv

$29.90

I have not had this wine in years, it has to be eight or ten, and I am looking forward to enjoying this fine red wine.  I have always liked BIN 128 and 28 Shiraz.

Appearance: black-purple with a purple rim

Aroma: pepper mill mix spice, earthy tones, splendid floral and underneath all this is a rich dark berry note.

Flavors: nice pepper mill mix – it is like I can taste the sweet pink peppercorn, the musty white, spicy green and the citrus spicy black peppercorns; there is an enjoyable thick earthy tone of soil and oak wood; black plum skin, cherry and dark berries.  To me this is not a fruit forward wine – it is earth and spice forward. 

Mouthfeel: thick, bold, mouth-coating, jammy, spicy, lingering dark berry and spice on the aftertaste, full-medium feel

To the Point: just as I remember maybe even better. A very good to excellent bold Shiraz.  I enjoyed the first glass with my dinner – a French demi-glazed shitake mushroom Filet Mignon.  

Darioush 2008 Shiraz: Review

Napa Valley

Darioush, Inc

Napa, California, USA

Darioush.com

$80.00 The Fine Wine Source

It has been a few years since I have had Darioush Cab. Sauv. and that was a great bottle of wine.  So, when I saw the bottle I had to check it out.  I have never had their Shiraz – let’s give it a try. 

Appearance: rich ruby

Aroma: blueberry, plum, fairly light soil

Flavors: lots of dark berries and fruit. Not picking up any spice but, this is the first glass and I did not decant this glass.  Picking up a hint of caramel and a touch of vanilla as I near the end of the first glass.  There is a soft soil note starting to appear.  When the wine has not been decanted it comes across like a Pinot.

Mouthfeel: warm alcohol spice on the back of the palate. 

My Strength Rating: 6

Time for the second glass (been decanted)

Aroma: Ah, there is that Shiraz spicy nose.  There is blueberry and dark current on the nose with a good splash of sweet spice and a very light peppery note.  This makes me think of pink peppercorn mixed with allspice.  Seems a bit leathery on the nose.  While the notes are pleasing it does not come across as big or bold. 

Flavors: Yes, much better. Rich boysenberry with a splash of ripe blackberry greets the palate.  Dark rich soil, touch of vanilla bean, and a very pleasing Shiraz spice quality. 

Mouthfeel: light peppery and alcohol spice on the finish.  Starts to get jammy on the teeth and gums.  Thick dark berries just coat the palate.  Sumptuous is the word for the overall mouthfeel of this tasty Shiraz.  The tannins and acidity seem to be well under control here.

My Strength Rating: 7.5 – nice jammy texture follows some rich and complex flavors.  

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