2004 Anaperenna Shiraz Cabernet

Ben has a thing about Egypt and this new bottling has a version of the Ancient Egyptian ankh symbol of regeneration. It’s a blend of 84 per cent 110 to 115 year-old Shiraz vines with 60 to 90 year-old Cabernet vines, all from northern Ebenezer apparently. Very rich, broad, flattering nose with the rigour of Cabernet and then extremely sweet start to the palate and rather pronounced acidity and focus. A little spiky as opposed to mellow. Quite a different style from the all-Shiraz wines. Perceptible heat on the finish. This one should run and run and I'm sure will develop a strong following. (JR)

This nearly perfect wine, made from 70% Shiraz (105- to 115-year-old vines) and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon (60- to 90-year-old vines), was cropped at a minuscule .5 to 1 ton of fruit per acre, and spent 15 months in French oak prior to bottling. Its gorgeously sweet, pure nose of crushed rocks, blueberries, cassis, and minerals soars from the glass. Floral-like black and blue fruits, an inky/purple color, and nearly endless depth and persistence on the palate are the stuff of legends. With extraordinary equilibrium, precision, and purity, it represents the apogee of Ben Glaetzer’s winemaking talents. Importer: Benjamin Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376