2002 Shiraz Creek Block

The nearly perfect 2002 Shiraz Creek Block (from 54-year-old vines) possesses an inky/purple hue as well as a spectacularly intense bouquet of creme de cassis, blackberries, blueberries, charcoal, crushed rocks, and acacia flowers. Enormously endowed, concentrated, rich, pure, and layered, it is about as prodigious as South Australian Shiraz can be. The cool 2002 vintage has provided good delineation, crisp acidity, and sweet tannin. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2025+. If I had to select the number one Australian winery, it would be hard not to choose the Greenock Creek Winery, run by the humble, shy Michael and Annabelle Waugh. The quality that emerges from this estate is extraordinary. In short, these are thrilling, world-class wines that are about as compelling as wine can be. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283