2005 Emigre

(a blend of grenache, shiraz, mourvedre and bits of cabernet sauvignon, carignan and muscadelle (!)) Dark purple. Smoky blackberry and cassis aromas are complicated by Cuban tobacco, musky herbs and fresh violet. Fat and rich but focused, with dense cherry and dark berry flavors, an impressively silky texture and supple tannins. This balances ripeness against freshness effortlessly, and finishes with impressive sweetness and length. A sexy raspberry quality lingers tenaciously, adding sex appeal.

There are 2000 cases of 2005 Emigre, a blend of six grape varieties sourced from a range of Barossa sites designed to reflect a “palate” of the Valley. The blocks were cropped at 1 ton of fruit per acre. The composition of the blend is 30% Shiraz, 30% Grenache, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Mourvedre, with the balance Carignan and Muscadelle. The wine was aged from 18-20 months in new French oak. It offers a complex aromatic array of smoky oak, damp earth, pencil lead, clove, pepper, cassis, and blueberry. Supple-textured and very intense, the wine exhibits spicy red and black fruits, with hints of mint and chocolate in the background. It is layered, opulent, and long while maintaining its elegant personality. Give it 5-7 years in the cellar and drink it through 2025. Oct 2007, www.robertparker.com