2004 Hope "The Ripper" Shiraz, Western Australia

[wondersofwine]

While picking up the two bottles of Reininger Helix Pomatia (red blend) I had ordered from a Fayetteville Wine Society meeting, I had a glass of wine in the lounge of Hilltop House Restaurant. Kristine, the sommelier, had recommended this so I decided to give it a try. 14% abv
Dark purple color with a crimson rim. Dark berry nose, primarily blackberry. Juicy and fruit-driven. I could see this with lamb and possibly with roast beef or rabbit. Not an overpowering blockbuster but somewhat food friendly. Possibly some mocha notes mid-palate but primarily the dark berry fruits. I liked this quite a lot almost in spite of myself as I was approaching it with a little skepticism.
Generally sells in the USA for #$12-$16 a bottle. As Kristine had told us, the shiraz grapes are crushed on the west coast and then transported by truck to Hunter Valley on the east coast where they are fermented and bottled. The must is chilled for this three-day road trip and arrives wtih amazing color and tannin extraction.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 06-28-2007).]