2006 Shiraz Viognier The Relic
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Tasting notes
The 2006 The Relic is superb Shiraz that delivers fantastic aromatics, as well as a balanced, silky palate. A blend of 96% Shiraz (from sandy soils and vines planted in 1912) and 4% Viognier, the wine exhibits deep, layered aromas of blackberry and cassis fruits that are intermixed with black olive tapenade, peppered meat, perfumed floral notes and high class oak on the nose. Showing beautiful integration and complexity on the nose, the wine is just as good on the palate with full body, a seamless, polished texture that stays light and balanced, big concentration, and a very long finish. Gorgeous now, this should continue to drink beautifully for 12-15 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
(a 97/3 blend) Inky purple color. Highly expressive aromas of boysenberry, blueberry, smoke, vanilla and cocoa powder, with a sexy floral undertone. Juicy, finely etched dark berry flavors are shockingly lithe and focused, with fine-grained tannins adding support. Very rich wine, with strong finishing sweetness and a bite of racy minerality. Offers an impressive blend of power and vivacity.
The 2006 Shiraz (97%)-Viognier (3%) The Relic was also sourced from 98-year-old vines with yields of 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 24 months in seasoned French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and wild blueberry. On the palate this medium-bodied, elegant Shiraz has a silky texture, luscious fruit, and impeccable balance. Give this very lengthy effort 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2010 to 2018. Dan Standish, who started his namesake winery in 1999, was once a winemaker at Torbreck and, like Dave Powell, is a fan of Rhone wines. Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376
The 2006 Shiraz (97%)-Viognier (3%) The Relic was also sourced from 98-year-old vines with yields of 0.5 tons per acre. It spent 24 months in seasoned French oak. Deep crimson-colored, it offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, violets, Asian spices, black cherry, and wild blueberry. On the palate this medium-bodied, elegant Shiraz has a silky texture, luscious fruit, and impeccable balance. Give this very lengthy effort 2-3 years of additional cellaring and drink it from 2010 to 2018. Feb 2009, www.robertparker.com