By way of background, opening thoughts: Frankly, I knew nothing about this wine before purchasing, save one fact: that it came from Oliverhill Winery, a winery that has been the source for one of my rare five star reviews. Five stars means you stand between me and that wine AT YOUR OWN RISK. Them's fightin' words. Let's see what this other shiraz from the same family amounts to...
Original tasting and review : This is Oliverhill Winery Red Silk Shiraz, McLaren Vale, Australia, 2008, finished at 14.5.% alcohol.
In the glass: Red Silk Shiraz is black mahogany, opaque from about an eighth of an inch from the edge.
On the nose: Poured at room temperature with a brief decant and swirled vigorously, shows sweet, cedary and oaky fruit with a definite note of drying pine needles. From the aroma, seems like this will be mouthfilling.
On the palate: The primary elements on the palate are in fact brighter and more peppery than I anticipated, then wrapped in medium-toned, somewhat soft fruit. Tannins are hidden by the fruit; you notice acids through the deep plum flavors that tuck into your cheeks. The sweet, bright fruit drips into your mouth for the long finish.
In summary: Overall, lives up to the "Silk" in its name, with a pleasant and powerful nature. Rates three stars on the five-star Spirit of Wine scale.
Following long decant, one day kept cool in partially filled bottle: Consistent nose. The brightness on the palate has settled to a full, medium sip with a touch of pepper. Balanced and more layered now, earning it an extra plus now for its big friendliness. Good value.
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