2003 Marquis Philips - Sarah's Blend

Combining power with elegance, the deep ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Sarah’s Blend, an 8,000-case cuvee of 62% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 19% Merlot, displays a high “yummy” factor along with loads of smoky vanilla, licorice, fig, plum, black currant, and spice box notes. This juicy, succulent, medium to full-bodied 2003 possesses surprising texture, depth, and length. There is not a hard edge to be found, so it can be enjoyed over the next 2-3 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