2005 Massena Shiraz The Eleventh Hour

From 60- to 100-year old vines that were saved from the bulldozer during the infamous Barossa “vine pull” (hence the name), the 2005 Shiraz Eleventh Hour was cropped at .5 tons of fruit per acre, and aged in 100% French oak, of which 5% was new. Sweet, pure aromas of blackberries, blueberries, crushed pepper, and flowers jump from the glass of this inky/purple-colored Shiraz. As one might expect from such tiny yields, it is a wine of great intensity, massive body, and tremendous purity, definition, and length. While still primary, it gives all the indications of being a modern day classic that should last and improve for 15-20 years. Importer: Ben Hammerschlag, Epicurean Wines, Seattle, WA; tel. (206) 923-1376