Rating:**** 2004 Marquis Philips Merlot, South Eastern Australia

Review: This is another varietal in the Marquis Philips line, which I have been enjoying right along. The 2004 vintage was the last year that Sarah and Sparky Marquis participated with Dan Philips in bringing this label to market. Beginning in 2005, the Marquis' couple began focusing on their own Mollydooker label. I'm curious to see what this 2004 merlot offers.

The nose is a deep, bold black cherry, suggesting beefy, flat fruit with few acids or tannins. And the palate?... Yes, that's exactly right... big, beefy, sweet middle, with almost-creamy dark fruit, migrating to a nicely lingering finish, cloaked in a robe of easy, velvety tannins. Extremely compelling flavors at a very modest price point. I don't need another wine to call it an enjoyable evening - and that means four stars.

For comparison, Robert Parker gave it 89 points and said, "This wine displays an aromatic, earthy, varietal nose reminiscent of fruitcake, toasted nuts and plums. The palate is smooth and unctuous, with almost a seamless quality. With integrated hints of toasty oak and delicate fruit flavors, this wine leaves a silky and smooth finish in your mouth."