2004 Dowie Doole Reserve Shiraz

When we tasted the 2001 Dowie Doole Reserve Shiraz we wrote “The real challenge for Dowie Doole is to repeat the wonderful quality of this wine on a consistent basis,if they can, then the first release will herald the birth of a new Australian wine icon.” And in spite of one of the worst wine names in Australia, Dowie Doole has again produced an exceptional wine.

The rainfall was above average in the winter of 2003 giving the vines a great start for the 2004 season. Good fruit set, with excellent canopy structure carried the vines through the short burst of hot weather in February enabling the fruit to be carried through to a perfect finish in late February and early March. Four parcels of fruit were picked at various beaume, allowing the wine to produce more complex flavour profiles. The wine was matured in 60% new and 40% one year old French oak hogs heads.

An outstanding Shiraz which builds upon the reputation of the superb 2001 and 2002 vintages.

Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Superb, lifted, sophisticated nose of violets, spice and vanilla top notes followed by liquorice allsorts, blackberry and dark chocolate. The palate explodes with mouthfilling flavours of liquorice allsorts, white pepper, spice and vanilla. Velvet smooth tannins. Perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of dark chocolate, plum and white pepper.
Cellar 4-5 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%

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