2002 Rafferty's Rules Angels Share Shiraz

This is a bit of a cheater post, as I opened a bottle of this Shiraz for a friend, Hillary, who wanted a glass of red wine - and I did not want to drink. I have been sitting on this bottle for a few months, waiting to try it again. It is on the list at BONDA for about $30 and I have always thought it is a great deal. The distributor had been trying to get rid of this vintage to make way for the '03 and was selling it at bargain basement pricing!

Here is my write up from the wine list:

From McClaren Vale, Australia, this Shiraz is blended from three of my favorite sources down under: McClaren Vale, Heathcote, and Langhorne Creek. From the producer: “the ultimate hedonistic expression of Shiraz. Velvety smooth, rich and spicy, packed with blackberry and plum flavours framed by the judicious use of oak. This vintage retains the family identity of Rafferty’s Shiraz – pleasure.”

The "Angel's Share" refers to the portion lost evaporation due to barrel maturation. A few winemakers use this designate for their wines, however I always thought it was the wine at the top of the barrel - which is almost true.

Anyway, I have a little bit of a cold, so this wine tastes (to me) like eucalyptus, Robitussin DM, big black cherry, black plum, medium tannins (but not enough to support the fruit) with a long alcoholic finish. Could definitely use more time in the bottle to mellow these flavors. My friend tastes none of this in her glass, and thinks the wine is divine. Jamie is coming over later, so I will save him a glass, and see how off my palate really is!