2003 Grizzly Flat Shiraz - a $3 beauty

Grizzly Flat is produced by Grizzly Flat Cellars, San Luis Obispo, CA. According to the marketer, Underdog Wine Merchants, the grapes for Grizzly Flat Shiraz are sourced from Central Coast, CA. This wine carries a 13.5% alcohol.

From the surface, this wine does fit the profile of those wines that aimed for cute marketing ploys. Not only it has a eye-catchy name, the wine label also says 'Big Bold Red' that would attract folks who like big, bold wines.

Once I pulled the cork, I have realized that this is really a decent Shiraz that will satisfy the crowd at at summer barbecue. Winejudging.com also awarded the 2003 Grizzly Flat Shiraz the 2006 SCHOTT ZWIESEL Silver medal for Syrah/Shiraz costing below $14.

In my opinion, it is as drinkable as any under $10 Shiraz, if not better. I found this wine in the closeout section of a New Jersey wine shop for merely $3. (What a deal!)

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Bold and spicy. Alcohol pokes out a bit upon opening. With air (about 45 minutes), cherry and plums notes shows through.

Palate: Initially very tannic and alcoholic. after 30 minutes to 1 hour, tannins and heat smooth out and the wine shows typical Syrah notes of plum, cherry and the oak in background becomes more apparent.

Body: medium to full, a little flabby.

Finish: Short with some heat. Slightly oaky and spicy.

Comment: Excellent QPR wine for $3-$6, but not for the price of some retailers that charge $13 for it. Drink best between 1 to 3 hours after opening.

2004 Excelsior Paddock Shiraz

Wine maker's notes:
This Shiraz comes from well drained lime rich land on which the De Wets once raised their horses. This wine is deep burgundy red in color with inviting aromas of vanilla and mocha. The palate rewards with lingering flavors of liquorice and ripe black cherries, supported by soft tannins reminiscent of the fragrance of the Orient.

Tasting notes:
1st day:
Nose: Oak, dark fruit, vanilla, initial heat.
Palate: Simple jammy dark fruit, cherry, licorice, coffee.
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: Medium/short finish. Light tannat present.
Acidity: Decent.

2nd day:
Nose: alcohol smooths out. Oak and vanilla subsided. Fruit slightly muted.
Palate: less jammy, more cherry notes. Dark fruit persistent as 1st day. Still drinks well.
Body: Medium to Full
Finish: same as 1st day.
Acidity: Similar as 1st day.

General comment:
This wine hit you in the face with fast jabs of high alcohol content (14.5%). Rich and quite smooth. Typical feel of new world Shiraz. Not a bad QPR for $7
Wonder how this wine settles in 1 or 2 years?