Deep garnet color with medium staining and medium plus tearing. No faults present on a medium aromatic. Wine is in the latter end of Developing based on red and black bruised fruit aromatic characteristics. Non-fruit presents as green bell pepper, black peppercorn, and baked stone. The wine's palate structure is off-dry (minus) with a medium level of acidity and alcohol. Body is medium plus with medium tannin volume and soft texture. The palate itself follows the red bruised fruit aromatic profile at the front but immediately leans into spiced notes of black peppercorn, green bell peppers/peppercorn and anise/rhubarb vegetals. Also present are notes of dried or sunbaked dark stone. The tannin structure adds the slightest undertone of slate or chalk dust to the texture and moderately balanced overall flavor. The finish is medium to medium plus only because the drying effects of the tannins linger even after the flavor has gone. Overall the wine has a medium minus complexity despite it having the hallmark Shiraz characteristics. Personal Rating: 78/100 Purchased and Openned initially for CMS Intro Somm, Above notes are made months later upon revisiting and finished the bottle.

Medium straw color with medium legs. Strikingly able to pick up some lemon and grass aromatics. Palette is a refreshing balance of mild lemon zest and fresh grass with the latter coming through after switching around. Milder notes of honeydew melon, limestone, and saline balance the medium length finish. The 4 month lees contact fermentation period yields flavors of fresh yeast cells on the roof of the mouth and make the lemon citrus acidity pop without overwhelming the structure.

Aromatic: melon, light stone fruit, lemon citrus Palate: herbaceous fennel with lemon citrus and honeydew melon finish

bright red fruits with slightly chalky tannins and finish.

First John McMahon Wine Dinner

Consumed prior to app