2008 Noon Eclipse Proprietary Red

Blended of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano, 2008 Eclipse has a medium-deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, menthol, cumin and fennel seed with some white pepper and a whiff of dusty earth. Full bodied and rich, the fruit is very opulent if a little straight-forward with crisp refreshing acid, medium-firm velvety tannins and a long finish. Drinking well now, it should develop a few more layers with 2-3 years in bottle and drink to 2023+. -In short, due to weather conditions, the only premium red produced in 2008 was Noon Eclipse (no Reserve Shiraz or Cab produced),- reported Drew Noon. -The 2008 marks a change to the traditional blend of Grenache and Shiraz, to include a little Cabernet and Graciano fruit. We always intended for the Graciano fruit to be included in Noon Eclipse but only after 10 years in the ground do we feel the time is right to begin introducing it to the blend. In 2009 we had the reverse situation, where the old Grenache vines suffered stress and no 2009 Eclipse was produced.- Noon follows biodynamic principals on the winery estate, though does not seek certification. The single estate blocks for the Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon are grower owned in Langhorne Creek and are not currently farmed organically or biodynamically. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (805) 782-9095

Big, meaty and distinctly different than the ’06 and ’07 wines, the 2008 Noon Eclipse is a departure from the normal blend and includes 50% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 10% Cabernet and 2% Graciano (this grape is a key component of Gran Reservas in Rioja and Navarra). The Syrah takes center stage here and the wine offers peppery dark fruit, ripe herbs, toasted spice and earth. There’s actually a wild, bloody character that creeps up with air. These aromas and flavors carry over to the palate and the wine is full bodied with a full, thick yet light texture, fresh acidity, solid underlying structure and a long, rich finish. I don’t see any reason this wine won’t drink well over the next 10 to 15 years.

Blended of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano, 2008 Eclipse has a medium-deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, menthol, cumin and fennel seed with some white pepper and a whiff of dusty earth. Full bodied and rich, the fruit is very opulent if a little straight-forward with crisp refreshing acid, medium-firm velvety tannins and a long finish. Drinking well now, it should develop a few more layers with 2-3 years in bottle and drink to 2023+. Dec 2010, www.robertparker.com