Marius 2003 Shiraz June 05

This is the third time I have tried this wine. The first time it was suffering from bottle shock but it still managed to show well. The second time I tried it, the wine seemed completely different to the first sample and it was marred by a wave of sappy green tannins running through the palate. This third bottle it was different to the second and much closer to the original sample. After a couple of hours in the glass, the bouquet shows restraint, indeed it was more intense when first opened; plum, earthy notes, black olive, coffee and chocolate are all evident. Plate flavours of black dark chocolate, plum, coffee, black olive and aniseed combine to produce a very attractive flavour profile. Interestingly enough, at one stage there was a slight sappiness but it completely disappeared over time. Ample in weight with very fresh acid (which calmed down with time in the glass) and chewy, long tannins; it finishes with good persistence. Rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value. This is worth buying!

Copyright © Ric Einstein 2005