2002 Yering Station, Shiraz Viognier, Yarra Valley

The 2002 Shiraz/Viognier (95% and 5% respectively) an exotic, flamboyant bouquet of honeysuckle, violets, blackberries, and currants jumps from the glass of this medium to full-bodied, dense, impeccably made red. With a succulent texture, enough acidity to provide definition, sweet tannin, and a long, medium to full-bodied, exotic finish, this beautiful wine is an Australian Cote Rotie. Enjoy it over the next 5-7 years. Importer: Ted Schrauth, Old Vines Australia, imported by Epic Wines, Santa Cruz, CA, tel. (831) 689-9080; Bluewater Wines, Warwick, RI, tel. (401) 739-7744; Commonwealth Wines, Mansfield, MA, tel. (508) 261-9300; and Domaine Select, New York, NY, tel. (212) 279-0799

Liquorice tarry and silky and smooth, polished. Very impressive! So fresh yet assertive. Long. Tastes better than a regular bottling. (JR)