By way of background:This is my first trial of the 2005 vintage of Marquis Philips' Sarah's Blend from South Eastern Australia, which I have enjoyed immensely before, in the form of the 2004 and 2006 vintages. The 2005 vintage, finished at a whopping 15.9% alcohol, is 60% shiraz, 22% cabernet sauvignon, 15% merlot, and 3% cabernet franc. It is fermented in wood and aged in both new and one-year-old French and American oak. The wine is named for Sarah Marquis, one of the winemakers back in the days before Sarah and her husband Sparky separated from Dan Philips to create their own Mollydooker label.Original review, December, 2009:
In the glass:This vintage of Sarah's Blend is deep velvet magenta in the glass, opaque to within 1/2 inch of the edge.
On the nose: Poured without a decant and swirled vigorously, aromas are deep, bold black grape creamsicle, laced with a nicely knitted well-toasted oak scarf.
On the palate: First note is a creamy and bright and bold mid-tongue creamy raspberry, somehow bringing both depth and brightness in the same moment. As the flavors mature in your mouth, the black raspberries trail towards the back of your tongue and along your cheeks.
And the finish: A tiny hint of motor oil comes in for the close, reminding you that this experience intends to hang on for a considerable duration.
In summary:Outstanding, bold and bright experience, with some classic and some new-world elements. A full three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale, with a plus for potentially being so many things to so many people. And for being a pure delight for me. Good value.
Robert Parker of Wine Advocate thought very highly of Sarah's Blend, 2005, awarding 91 points and saying, ""One of my favorite Marquis Philips cuvees... Its deep ruby/purple hue is accompanied by aromas of flowers, spice box, blueberries, black currants, and smoky oak. Opulent, voluptuous, and full-bodied, with low acidity and sweet tannin, this is a blockbuster red that sells for a song. If you like fruit, flavor, and character, this is a big-time winner to drink over the next 3-4 years."
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Updated review, over two years later, January, 2012: Color hasn't changed. However, on the nose there is a notable oxidation mixed with the candy and creamsicle aromas. Sweet black raspberries remain on the compelling but slightly soggy palate. Now, seven years from vintage date, its bones are just beginning to creak.
Following long decant, two days kept cool in partially filled bottle: Consistent nose. The palate is soft yet well-integrated.
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