1997 Shiraz Duck Muck

Sadly, only 70 cases of the terrific 1997 Shiraz Duck Muck (15% alcohol) were produced. Made from 1.3 tons of fruit per acre from a relatively young (15 years) vineyard, there is no doubting the extraordinary character and personality winemaker David Anderson has constructed. My tasting notes begin with the words "great stuff." Opaque black purple-colored, with a viscosity resembling vintage port, this thick, chewy Shiraz exhibits a panorama of black fruits intermixed with licorice, tar, roasted herbs, and sweet oak. The acidity and tannin appear to be missing because of the wine's wealth of fruit, glycerin, and extract. It is a surreal, other-worldly style of Shiraz that needs to be sipped rather than gulped given its power and intensity. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2025. Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283