2002 Marquis-Phillips Shiraz

[eskinnyc]

Sorry Drew, but I downed the 02 Shiraz last night and liked it very much. When I first poured it, my initial assessment was much like yours, too big, too hot (15.5% alcohol!), and generally out of balance. But after an hour or so, it calmed down a lot, revealing a soft, lush character, with a long finish and restrained but well-integrated fruit. Definitely not a fruit bomb.

Wasn't able to find the 2001 so I can't compare it to last year's, but if you're patient this wine will pay off, and I think its a tremendous value at the $15 price point.

Caveat emptor.