Downing Estate 2002 Shiraz PlonkOz04

The bouquet it is useful and shows soft fruity characters. Smart powdery tannins and distinct fruit produce an ample-weight well built and well-balanced wine. Smart winemaking has allowed a fine line balance between the moderately high (but acceptable) oak and powerful tannins which are supported by attractive chocolate and plummy fruit that finishes with good persistence. Ample-weight, the consistency is supple and the complexity agreeable. It is an attractive wine that should get better. At an asking price of $42, it is rated as Recommended with ** for value but that rating may be a bit harsh as I was pushed at a time when assessing it and the wine should get better as it approaches maturity in 2008+.

Copyright © Ric Einstein 2005