Thorn Clarke 2003 Shotfire Ridge Shiraz Oct 04

Ripe fruit driven rum and raisin, there is a light cinnamon spice intertwined with sandalwood and caramel with milk chocolate. A delightful, silky mouth feel is seductive and awakens the senses but its smart winemaking as the tannins are there to support the solid structure. Muscular-weight, the fruit clean and fills the mouth completely finishing with respectable persistence. It is drinking easily now but should hold for many years. The blackberry and chocolate are anything but sweet and when you add the fresh acid into the equation it is very savoury but there is a contrasting sweet layer supporting these flavours which adds good complexity and interest. Rated as Recommended with **** for value, this wine will be another big hit in the US (and Oz) as it is right up there and very consistent with the 2002.