Fox Creek Short Row Shiraz 2003
First produced in 1999, Short Row Shiraz acknowledges the traditional McLaren Vale Shiraz style that has brought the region the recognition and standing amongst the great wine regions of the world. A form based on a powerful fruit driven front and mid palate, with rich, ripe tannins requiring significant new oak influence to be brought back into a semblance of balance.
This 2003 gives a deep ruby with a medium rim. It is medium bodied by now with 15 years behind. But it is without the usual peppery taste of a Shiraz. A bit heavier than I usually go for. Classic nose of ripe fruits, dark fruit, plums; the palate is still mouthfuls of ripe fruit, subtle oak, soft tannins. Long silky finish. Fox Creek made no 2003 Reserve Shiraz, so this Short Row is the year's top wine. Right in the window. Yum.
