Marquis Philips
Sarah's Blend
Shiraz; Cabernet; Merlot
Australia
2004
15%
$14.99 -- Chapel Hill, NC
Color: Deep purple
Nose: Caramel and berries
Body: Heavy
Front: Creamy blueberries
Middle: A little heat; peppery
Back: Mesquite, and, oddly, cucumber
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Screwcap
A big bomb of loveliness, but with a little alcoholic burn. Really good if you want something bold, interestingly structured, and fruity (but not sweet). The 2005 tastes better to me right now, so this one may be on the way out. Now, these people don't like it, but what do they know?
Note (23 Nov 2009): I tasted the 2007 vintage. Blueberry jam and cherry on the nose, blueberries, chocolate, red currant, soft coffeelike tannins. I'm going to pair it with grilled lamb and roasted fingerling potatoes, and I'm expecting a tasty synergy. $13.99 at Spec's in Austin, TX, still 15% abv.
