1998 Howcroft Estate Shiraz

Every so often an unknown label turns up on the tasting bench that is a standout, one such wine was the 1998 Howcroft Estate Shiraz. Produced from grapes grown in the Bordertown area, the wine has made an impressive debut. Totally opaque, vibrant crimson purple colour. The nose is very intense with strong aromas of blackpepper, spice and blackberry with blackcurrant end notes - a very powerful sniff.The palate is totally mouthfilling and reflects the intensity of flavour that is expected from a wine with such outstanding colour. Flavours of ripe blackberries, blackpepper, blackcurrants, ink and liquorice are well integrated into the smoky, vanilla oak background flavours. Fine grained tannins, perfect balance, with very long blackpepper aftertaste. An outstanding Shiraz.

RATING: 95/100

VALUE: XXXXX/5