The stunning, 9,100 cases of the 2001 Shiraz from McLaren Vale, Middleton, and Padthaway, spent 12 months in new American oak. It exhibits notes of blackberry liqueur intermixed with hints of licorice, pepper, and chocolate. Opulent, full-bodied, and viscous, with great intensity, superb purity, and a layered, seamless personality, it is meant to be drunk young, but will age surprisingly well given its intensity. Marquis Philips is the most exciting wine project to emerge from Australia, and perhaps the New World, in the last year. Run, don't walk to a client of The Grateful Palate and secure as much as you can of these wines.This must be the most exciting development that has occurred in the Southern Hemisphere over the last several years. Marquis Philips is a partnership between highly talented winemakers Sarah and Sparky Marquis and their American importer, Dan Philips (of The Grateful Palate). I favorably reviewed the stunning debut values of the Marquis Philips range in the 2000 vintage. Remarkably, the 2001s are even more amazing, and probably for the price, the greatest red wine values in existence ... anywhere! Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283