Devil's Lair, Fifth Leg

[Innkeeper]

2001 Devil's Lair, Fifth Leg, Margaret River ($11.99 SHWC). This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Shiraz (34%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (2%), weighing in at 14.1% alcohol. Got it as a substitute for a similiar blend for a Wynn's Coonawarra. Left it in the cellar for around a year, trying to figure what to do with it.

Well tonight we had to raise a glass for the Gipper. I'm sure the folks in Oz won't mind.

Afterward we enjoyed the rest of it with rib eyes grilled over mesquite chips, and napped with aioli. Followed it with salad in blue cheese dressing. This was a very lovely wine, and the high alcohol wasn't noticed. Gave a rush of fruit on the nose and upfront. All the grapes came together in a fantastic complexity that married up with a kind of complex meal. Despite the name of the outfit, would look for this one again.