2003 Marquis Philips Cabernet Sauvignon South Eastern Australia

The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a much smaller scaled, more evolved Cabernet than the 2002. Its dark ruby color is followed by classic notes of tobacco leaf, creme de cassis, and a touch of toasty, smoky oak. With a medium-bodied, supple finish, it should drink well for 3-4 years. The highly respected South Australian viticulturists/winemakers, Sarah and Sparky Marquis, in partnership with their importer, Dan Philips of the Grateful Palate, successfully launched the inexpensive line of Marquis Philips wines several years ago, creating something of a monster because of their enormous crowd appeal. While 2003 is a lighter vintage than its predecessors, these offerings have turned out nicely. The handful of consumers who deemed 2002 too concentrated for such inexpensive wines will be delighted to learn that the 2003s are slightly lighter, but still loaded with character as well as flavor. They possess heavy duty, exuberant fruit, ripeness, and considerable personality. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283