Made from the same clonal material planted in their ancient (108-years old) Block 6 the 1999 Shiraz Amery Vineyard Hillside (these vines are 8-years old) is aged in 100% new American oak. While a fabulous blockbuster I wonder if it wouldn't be even better if aged in French oak? A dense opaque purple color is followed by a sweet smoky bouquet of creme de cassis blackberry liqueur melted licorice truffles and toasty wood. This full-bodied heady expansive in-your-face Shiraz looks set for 15+ years of aging. While not as accessible as the regular Shiraz it is loaded and potentially superior. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2017. Importer: Dan Philips The Grateful Palate Oxnard CA; tel. (888) 472-5283