EPPALOCK RIDGE SHIRAZ - 2002

Aged 14 months in French and American oak. From Heathcote, Australia with 14.5% alcohol.

TASTING NOTES:

Dark purple-red color with heavy eucalyptus aromas. On the second day more charcoal scents emerge. Chalk dust upfront with a medicinal mid-palate. Black currant and black fruit. Charred oak and some heat on the back-end. There's a distinct WD-40 oil-chemical taste mixed in.

SCORE & RECOMMENDATION:

86 PTS

I loved the eucalyptus aroma and flavor initially. Reminded me of good Thackrey Pleiadas. I just couldn't get past the medicinal and chemical flavors that are somewhat unpleasant and completely out of whack with the rest of the fruit. Not a great wine although it softens some on the second day. For $20 a bottle, this is a major pass.