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).]

[wondersofwine]

Revisited by the glass on Sept. 21. Very dark red with crimson rim--almost opaque.
Mixed berry fruit scents with subtle mocha or cocoa under the bright fruit of the palate. Juicy, inviting. Definetly fruit-driven. I could see this with a big juicy hamburger or lamb chops, or Greek lamb casserole, or shish kebobs. I wrote this without comparing first to my note back in June but several things crept into both notes such as the color of the rim, the mocha touch, and the fruit-driven character.

[brappy]

It is one of the most interesting ways of extracting a load of color.... and flavor. Anyway, your notes are spot on.

mark