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2005 Warrabilla Reserve Shiraz

Rutherglen, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
$26. 99
Bottle
$323.88 Dozen
Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2010-2011)
ABV: 16%
Closure: Cork

Established in 1991 Warrabilla has quickly established a cult following and is widely regarded as Rutherglen’s leading producer of big blockbuster reds. Australian wine writer JAMES HALLIDAY seems to agree, giving the winery a five star rating and describes the trio of Durif, Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz as “quintessential examples of Rutherglen red wine at its best.”

Along with low yielding high quality fruit, winemaker Andrew Sutherland-Smith employs traditional winemaking techniques to fashion these superbly structured vinuous monuments. Rutherglen’s sunny climate and unique terroir naturally suits the development of massive flavours, particularly from Shiraz & Durif. However, whilst these varieties offer extraordinary colour, they can also present unripe tannins which can play havoc with the wines balance. High alcohol levels are required to achieve physiological ripeness and maximum flavour profiles, yet at the same time 'porty' reds are to be avoided (a seemingly paradoxical situation finding parallels with the big reds from Heathcote.) Andrew consistently gets the equation right – whilst the wines are massive and display very ripe fruit they still manage to maintain balance - there is no sense of portiness or jaminess. The 2005’s are another outstanding collection from Warrabilla.

A big Rutherglen red – Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue, with excellent cling to the walls of the glass. Superb nose, aromas of ripe blackberry, vanilla, liquorice allsorts and plum. On the palate, flavours of ripe blackberry liquorice allsorts, dark chocolate and spice are followed by a black pepper back palate. Fine grained tannins, perfect balance. Very long aftertaste of blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice allsorts. A monumental red, with outstanding length and depth.
Cellar 4-5 years (2010-2011)
Alc/Vol: 16%

Other Reviews...
Predictably massive, mouth-flooding, blackberry fruit is the first sensation, alcohol kicking in hard on the finish.
Rating 92
Drink 2020
"James Halliday - 2007 Australian Wine Companion"