Print this Wine         1998 Pikes Shiraz   POLISH HILL RIVER, CLARE VALLEY                 January Release   Shiraz       Neil Pike believes 1998 could be overall his finest red wine vintage. High praise indeed given the quality wines he has produced from the other vintages. Immediately the color promises something extra as it is very deep and dark with blood red merging with purple so dark it is almost black. The color extends right to the rim. There is no mistaking the variety on the bouquet. Plums combined with spicy notes and a leather nuance. It can be nothing else but made from low yielding Shiraz vines in a warm climate. The fruit is sweet and super-ripe, and in addition to the initial plum flavor there are also some blackberries and a stewed character like prunes. All of this makes the wine quite complex, and makes you approach the palate with confident expectation. When you taste this wine there is no question that the anticipation is justified. The fruit is most generous in the mid palate, which has a smooth velvety texture. Whilst the fruit flavors are the most obvious, there are also plenty of other characters that add to the wine. Secondary traits such as chocolate, leather and a hint of tar all make the mark. Some vanilla and charry oak flavors are also evident. The finish to the wine sees almost a battle between the tannin and acid. Both these preserving agents are quite apparent, and will assist the wine’s prolonged development. The full potential of the wine will not be realized for at least 8 years and could quite easily maintain that plateau for a further 6 - 8 years following. Shiraz is great with Beef in most of its permutations, and so it is with this fine drop. There is so much flavor in this years vintage and combined with the tannin that the wine should be matched with really strong flavored dishes. The spicy nature could certainly handle spicy treatments of Beef, and in the cooler months braised dishes would be ideal.         How do I download Hi-Res Labels?

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