2005 Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz

[VouvrayHead]

$13, Limestone Coast, 15.0% abv

I generally buy shiraz for my girlie, but even I liked this one. Tons of blackberry and blueberry fruit, and plenty opulent, but not syrupy or overbearing. Lots of caramel and vanilla flavor on the back end with a long finish, the whole thing well-balanced. The shelf-talker mentioned that grapes from this vineyard also go into Two Hands Sophie's Garden. Have no idea about its age-worthiness, not being much of an Aussie Shiraz drinker. (Did pick up an '03 Pirramimma to lay down! Thanks, Drew... )


[This message has been edited by VouvrayHead (edited 02-17-2007).]

[This message has been edited by VouvrayHead (edited 02-18-2007).]

[Drew]

Do agree with the Jip Jip VH, very nice but the 15% alcohol scared me away from buying any more of it. I tire of these full throtle Oz shiraz brought in for the USA market. I don't need that much alcohol, plenty out there at 14 and under.

Drew

[brappy]

Alcohol aside, this is a great little wine for the price. Simply not made for aging but for early consumption. Your notes on the wine are almost identical to what I wrote for the staff when I brought this wine in by the glass. I bring in seasonal wines to serve by the glass. This wine was a perfect summer red. Those intense blueberry notes and great concentration were what was needed. Can't wait to taste the next vintage. I may bring it back again.

Interesting name for a wine. I was told Jip Jip Rocks were boulders left behind from the receding ice from the ice-age. Some of the boulders were 2 ft diameter, some as large as a small cabin. The vineyard is full of these Jip Jip rocks. Just thought that was interesting.