2001 Yellow Tail Shiraz

[girlperson1]

I picked up a bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz, 2001. Plastic cork, I think. The cork came out easily enough but I noticed it was heavily lubricated with God knows what. Could not get the cork back into the bottle either which is OK since I can just decant the wine.

Anyway, the first thing I instantly noticed when I opened the bottle was the distinct scent of vanilla. Very strong and very upfront. Upon pouring the wine into a clear crystal wine glass, I noticed a "film" floating on the top of the wine. I swirled the wine in the glass and it left a coating on the glass walls which upon drying revealed itself to be somewhat white ,translucent and mildly grainy.

Before I drink this, does anyone have an idea of what I'm seeing?

Thanks.

[girlperson1]

Upon letting the wine sit for a few hours open, the surface film has faded off and it seems fine now.

Very dry and good. Nice aroma. I guess the bottle had a bit of asthma and needed to breath.

[img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Where did you find the "old" one. The one I picked up recently, here in Maine!, was a 2002.

[girlperson1]

I picked up the "old one" here in Northern New Jersey at the National Wholesale Liquidators Warehouse for $5.97/bottle. They have CASES of the stuff upstairs and downstairs, they have two liquor stores on both levels of the warehouse.

Since I basically figure the initial problem was not really a problem, I'll be buying more of it again.

[girlperson1]

This stuff really smells of pepper and vanilla, and it's fruity, coats the glass heavily when you swirl it in the glass and there's another aroma that I just can't quite put my nose on it just yet. (something "herb-like")

Anyone able to suggest what possible aromas I might find in this Shiraz. Might help me figure this one out. Thanks. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[girlperson1]

OAK!!! (finally figured out the mystery aroma)

I'm learning...slowly but surely. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[hotwine]

IK, what was your opinion of the Yellow Tail?

[girlperson1]

I've been accused of having a very vivid imagination and as such, I enjoy a wine that mixes many aromas. If I smell a wine and it makes me giggle, I like it although I try not to giggle in public too much. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/wink.gif[/img]

My first impression of this Shiraz was "what's wrong with this wine" when I noticed all sorts of strange "things" and behaviors that I've never seen before in a wine. Recall, I'm new to wine tasting/enjoying so I've still got LOADS to learn.

Once the wine settled down for a few hours, it became facinating to me, both it's color and the aromas. The taste was interesting too. I like it.

Overall, I liked the Yellow Tail Shiraz very much and in fact, I bought a few bottles and gave them as inexpensive, everyday gifts to people that I thought would enjoy it as well.

For $6/bottle, it's tough to beat. I like it! [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/smile.gif[/img]

[quijote]

I just arrived in Florida today to visit my parents....after dinner we drove back home, and as we crossed an intersection a guy drove thru the stop sign and right into our car! I thought my mom was a goner, but she was okay--just a bump on the head and lots of shock. My dad's Buick isn't doing that well, though. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/frown.gif[/img]

Fortunately, I had bought some 2002 Yellowtail, so it's been drinking nicely after a scary car accident. Quite a bit of vanilla and raspberries on the nose, with good, balanced taste of berry/plum jam and black pepper. 14.5% Alc. ~$8.00



[This message has been edited by quijote (edited 08-15-2003).]

[girlperson1]

Oh my goodness. :-O I hope everyone in your family and the Buick will be doing better.

[quijote]

Thanks for the support, girlperson--mom has regained her composure and the insurance people are busy with how to deal with a damaged 1984 Buick!

[Georgie]

Glad it wasn't any worse! Best wishes to you.

[quijote]

Thanks, Georgie--at least we still can drive the Chrysler!