Print this Wine         1999 Hill of Content "Old Vines" Grenache Shiraz   CLARE VALLEY                 January Release   Grenache       Whilst the ’99 vintage in Australia is not seen as impactful as ’98, this wine does not fall into that generalization. It has the intensity of the ’98, with perhaps a little more complexity. The majority of the fruit for this 74% Grenache/26% Shiraz blend, comes from Bill and Noel Ireland’s dry grown “Old Station” Vineyard, a mile or so from the town of Watervale. It took myself and Bill just two blending sessions to finalize the wine. But then this is year 4 of the wine, so we know what we like, and for us the vintage was blessed. On the nose, the Grenache fruit dominates with its trademark explosive perfumed raspberry characters. There are hints of pepper and exotic spices to add to the initial impact. On the palate, the Grenache continues to dominate, but the Shiraz delivers darker plum and blackcurrant flavors, and generous spice, pepper, and earthy tones. There is plenty going on in this wine, despite its youth. It could be my favorite of the quartet of vintages now in bottle; there is just that bit more on offer. The wine finishes long, and has a structure that will allow further improvement over the next 3 to 5 years. Food? Yes, a good idea if you are hungry, but the wine is enjoyable on its own, or with a slice of hard cheese. Food choices are innumerable, such is the wines adaptability, but braised meats, or Asian preparations are my current favorites.         How do I download Hi-Res Labels?

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