Warrabilla 2003 Reserve Durif Shiraz Nov 04

A big dumb nose with a little alcohol lift showing dusty, almost pine, oak notes, wet veggie patch mushroom compost, muted spice, vanilla and chocolate. As the wine gained airtime, the spice turned into white pepper, aniseed and menthol surfaced whilst the wet veggie patch character lessened. Loads of chalky, chewy tannins that finish dry combine with youthful, fresh acid and deeply seated fruit to form a full bodied wine that is not quite of heroic proportions but is not for the faint of heart. The flavour profile is interesting, off-sweet plums, sweet black berry fruit which is well supported by obvious chocolate and finishing with a sappy flavour. Every nook and cranny of the palate is exposed to flavour, no donuts in this one. Its a credible wine, rated as Recommended with **** for value.