Seppelt 2002 Chalambar Shiraz PlonkOz04

I was particularly impressed with the 2001 releases this wine so I was looking forward to trying the 2002. The bouquet is ripe, rich and shows perfumed fruit with loads of earthy chocolate characters. Smooth, powdery tannins and balanced acid combine with pure deep fruit (which is firmly in control) to produce a muscular weight wine with a supple consistency. Initially savoury, the wine also has a subtle layer of sweet underlying fruit; blackberry, plum and dark chocolate flavours are highly drinkable. Both Brian and I found this wine to be an early drinker that did not have the tannin structure which will allow it to age. I have seen other reports that suggested this wine has sufficient tannic backbone to age beyond an early drinking style, but that was not what was in our glasses. Rated as Recommended with **** for value.