2005 Noon Eclipse Proprietary Red

(16% alcohol) Saturated ruby. Powerful, port-like blackberry and cherry aromas are complicated by vanilla, mocha, cured tobacco and fresh flowers. Thick, oily and deeply concentrated, with palate-saturating flavors of dark berry liqueur, chewing tobacco and musky herbs firmed by slow-building, chewy tannins. Tests the definition of table wine and would be best served as one would use a Banyuls: with chocolate or, better still, blue cheese. There's something perversely appealing about this style, but I understand that an urbane palate might run from it in terror.

The 2005 Eclipse was aged in a mix of French and American oak, small and large, for 18 months. Composed of 65% Grenache and 35% Shiraz ranging in age from 40-70 years, it offers up a sublime perfume of garrigue, scorched earth, lavender, licorice, black cherry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied yet elegant, this succulent, sweet, layered blend has gobs of spicy blueberry, kirsch, and black fruit flavors, great balance, and a 60-second finish. Drink it now and over the next 15-20 years. Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate Oct 2007

The 2005 Eclipse was aged in a mix of French and American oak, small and large, for 18 months. Composed of 65% Grenache and 35% Shiraz ranging in age from 40-70 years, it offers up a sublime perfume of garrigue, scorched earth, lavender, licorice, black cherry, and black raspberry. Full-bodied yet elegant, this succulent, sweet, layered blend has gobs of spicy blueberry, kirsch, and black fruit flavors, great balance, and a 60-second finish. Drink it now and over the next 15-20 years. ||Noon Winery is owned and operated by Drew and Rae Noon. It continues to be one of Australia’s benchmarks. Wine Advocate.October, 2007