2004 Marquis Philips “Sarah’s Blend”. South Eastern Australia, Australia. 15% alcohol. $13.
Deeply colored with thick, pigmented legs. Powerful but controlled aromas of plum, coffee, chocolate, herbs, oak, and spearmint. Excellent viscosity with more than enough acid. Good length. Tannins are plush and essentially negligible. Lots of deep fruit flavors. Prior vintages of Sarah’s have left me questioning why the winery bothers with the blend. However in 2004 the Sarah’s comes to the fore by taking the best aspects of the Shiraz and Merlot for its blend while successfully hiding the insipid Cabernet. Primarily Shiraz but blended with substantial amounts of Cabernet and Merlot. Closed with a screwcap. Drink now to 2010. 89 points.