I had my first bottle of the newer Paringa, and must note some immediate differences. Based on just one bottle of the 2002, I sense less fruit, slightly more tannin, and a slight astringency. I never decanted the 2001. Perhaps the 2002 could use some time in the decanter? Your observations?

Dick

Perhaps the 2002 could use some time in the bottle.

That is my observation. Picked up another case at $8 per last week. Can't beat that. I've only had one bottle and, yes, decanting helped it. I'll stick with the '01 for now -- perfect for everyday.

here are my notes from two weeks ago. originally i had a small sample at a tasting and rated it a 90. this time i drank the wine over two nights. no decanting on the first night and 30 minutes on the second night. 2002 paringa shiraz, 14% alcohol.

dark purple in color. nose of blueberries and white pepper. medium bodied black fruit flavors that are slightly sour on the moderately chocolate finish. the wine was a little hollow on the mid palate. pretty decent tannins and structure for a wine in this price range. the wine was better on the second night. obviously needs a little time to open up, but i would drink over the next two years. good juice for the money. me88

QOH,
I heartily agree. The Paringa and the MP 01 shiraz are both showing a lot more stuff now than at release. I think they make a great case for the existence of travel shock! I'll wait at least 2 - 3 months before I try my first 02 Paringa.

We liked the 2002 Paringa Shiraz although it is very one-dimensional. Good juice for the price!

Tasted with other Shiraz

I agree. The 02 was very fruit forward and very primary. I decanted it for about 90 minutes and it was better the second day. The 01 seems a bit lighter to me but had more layers of flavors. The tannins were also better integrated. Both are winners for easy drinking wines. Bring on the BBQ.

Call me crazy, call me contrary, but I have a hard time calling the 2002 Paringa Shiraz 'wine'. More like 'wine-associated beverage'.

What on earth do you eat with this high-octane 'juice'?

Yes, it is well...grape juice. I just liked quaffing it (after decanting). It is the Rancho Zebaco Dancing Bull version of Shiraz

Yeah, 1st bottles tonight (Cab & Shiraz) with some non-wino friends. For $8.00, a good buy for both. That's all I can say. Will keep the rest for events that include non-winos. Drinkable. Liked the Shiraz a bit better than the Cab.