Saturday 1 March 2003

Tasting Notes - Brini Grenache Shiraz 1999

New producer / old grower. Sourced from estate, dry grown vines planted in the 1940's and 50's (McLaren Vale). Made by Brian Light.

Deep blood red in colour. Nose is ripe yet controlled; good depth of plums and other ripe fruits. Some regional licorice and tar. Palate is closed and a little tight on opening but filled out progressively over the hour. More classic regional licorice lurking but palate more about some ripe tannins that generate a prominent dry finish. A bit funky at the end, earthy and a wee bit broad but nevertheless an attractive wine.

Tasting Notes - Brini Estate Sebastian Shiraz 2000 (Recommended)

Brini's flagship, sourced from the pick of the older vine (50 plus years) material. Very dark red in colour. Nose is deep scented with lifted floral plums and berries. Impressive. Palate is soft and spicy. Medium bodied. Aniseed more prominent through the back palate. Quite smooth and velvety. Oak seemingly well in check. Fruit does fade a little on the finish but still a good drop; just need a little more overt fruit (note over 2 hours the finish filled out substantially).