1998 Shiraz Creek Block
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Tasting notes
A near-perfect wine is the 1998 Shiraz Creek Block, a wine made from 62-year old Shiraz aged in a combination of new and French oak. Sadly, there are only 100 cases of this opaque, purple-colored, full-bodied classic. The wine shows terrific notes of beef blood, new saddle leather, blackberry liqueur, smoke, and earth. Extremely full-bodied yet seamless, with dazzling levels of extract and ripeness, this is a tour de force in winemaking, but sadly, there is too little of it. It looks to have the potential to go 20-30 years. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Ruby-red. Complex, highly aromatic nose of raw currant, smoked meat, minerals and pepper, along with a whiff of rubber. Concentrated, dense and quite fresh, with the raw berry character carrying through on the palate. Much sweeter and spicier than the distinctly vegetal, underripe Seven Acre shiraz that preceded it. Finishes sweet and long.