Gemtree 2002 Obsidon PlonkOz04

The flagship Shiraz from Gemtree (retailing at about $35,) I tried this as a barrel sample 18 months ago and it was good even at that young stage. The bouquet had a touch of alcoholic lifted esters, plums, liquorice and a splinter of pine oak. Velvety tannins are deceptive and whilst the wine has a supple mouth feel, there is enough backbone for the long haul. Pure, deeply seated fruit is rich, ripe and intense with plum, chocolate and mulberry that finishes with good length. Ample-weight, the complexity is well developed and whilst it is harmonious now, it should become seamless as the wine matures. A very smart wine which is also great value, it is rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value and the rating may improve as the wine matures around 2010.