The 2001 Shiraz Integrity (100% Shiraz) is virtually perfect. Both Sarah and Sparky Marquis, who have made some great wines, consider this the finest they have ever produced. I can't disagree, and those who love big, rich, concentrated, multidimensional Australian Shiraz may think I underscored it by a point. It possesses an inky/purple color as well as a magnificent nose of white flowers, blackberries, cassis, and a hint of espresso. Dense, with thrilling levels of concentration, a multi-tiered mid-palate, and sweet tannin in the 50-second finish, this wine was made from relatively young vines, and the alcohol is a lofty 16.2%, but that's irrelevant when tasting a wine that is this perfectly balanced and compelling. Anticipated maturity:2004-2020.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! (Not yet released)Importer: Dan Philips, The Grateful Palate, Oxnard, CA; tel. (888) 472-5283

Deep garnet-brick in color, the 2001 Integrity reveals evolved aromas of black fruit, dried mulberries, prunes, sandalwood, leather and tobacco with some nuances of oolong tea and anise. Ripe, rich and seductive, it has a lively acid line, medium levels of fine tannins and a long finish with layers of kirsch and cherry syrup flavors lingering. Drink it now to 2018+. These Marquis Philips wines were shown during a Mollydooker tasting with Sarah and Sparky Marquis (the owners/winemakers at Mollydooker) in October 2012.