Decanted for 9 hours before tasting. Dense opaque purple – almost black, with bright dark red edges, this is a glass stainer, sticking to the sides and forming thick, slow moving legs. The huge nose can be smelled from several feet away, and shows a little less of the blueberry that seemed to dominate the 2001 version, along with smoke, anise, spruce, juniper, and dark cherries. High-toned acidity and ripe fleshy round tannins mark the palate, carrying crushed blackberries and a compelling floral component (violets?), leading to a tremendously long finish. This powerhouse Shiraz doesn’t come across as ‘hot’ as the regular Shiraz, despite it’s 16% alcohol, and needs some short term rest to come together a bit more. (94-95) points, drink 2004-2009.

And just to add to this, there was a bit leftover, so I tasted again the following night:

This wine has now been opened for 36 hours. Still inky purple/black, still going strong. Nose has developed some chocolate/mocha notes along with more distinguished blueberries and blackberries. Softer and plush on the palate, creamy and rich, showing some alcohol on the finish.

You tease us..... I can't wait to get my hands on some. This is one of my favs in the fruit bomb category.

... I am also anxiously awaiting the 2002 here in NJ!

add a third...

Ojeffso has me pumped about this one!

... and a fourth!

Those of you in the east cosat. When the S9 hits the store you better grab them asap!
7 local stores got them and they all sold them out within 3 days. Some store did not even last day!
I was lucky enough to get some here and ther and collected 1 case.
Good luck!

& a 5.

Glad I have some on reserve

I know there is a bit of a feeding frenzy on this wine. I will try to secure some if the opportunity presents itself, but I won't die if I come up empty. There are tons of wines out there and I seem to be less enamored with the Marquis offerings every time I try them. I will be flipping my last bottle of '01 Henry's Drive Reserve Shiraz. Tried it twice and it is not a 96 pt wine.

jb

Big local store out here sold out in one day.

jb-i agree with you about the henry's drive reserve, but the 2002 9 was the real deal. hard to believe parker rated them the same. as a disclaimer, i tasted the 9 with dan philips.

Put me in the very lonely "counter" group. I thought it was over the top and obvious. The Pam Anderson of Aussie Shiraz would be my call.

Hey, Pam Anderson is great to look at even if you can't hold a conversation with her.

Same goes for the #9 in my opinion. It IS over the top and it IS obvious..... That's why I like it.... I just won't and don't expect any type of balance or complexity from it.

Don't get me wrong though... I love a much more balanced wine as well and can spend hours on a single wine trying to discern every noticeable nuance it has.

Some people like one or the other, I like both.

tlily, looking at your Avatar I'd think you liked Pam Anderson as well! hehehehe

rev,

i'm with you. there is nothing wrong with also liking over the top fruit bombs as well. there is room on my palate for all types.

Let's hear it for diversity!!!

If all wines tasted the same, or even similar... we wouldn't be here.

From the female perspective - it take all types, even Pam Anderson. This happens to be one type that is fun to drink.

Winetex, that's very true. This has a high fun factor. A high swish factor too!

What would be the best time to pop one of these in your opinion? I have three and I don't want to be premature....if you know what I mean, wink, wink.