Marquis Philips Shiraz 2003 Reviews

Ever seen a roogle? No? Well, probably the best place to spot one is on a bottle of Marquis Philips Shiraz, or any Marquis Philips for that matter. Apparently a roogle is the Australian equivalent of an American jackelope and it's an oddball animal with a kangaroo's bottom torso and a bald eagle's head. And if you wonder why the bald eagle is an endangered species this may be the reason.

Marquis Philips' brand of wines represent a partnership of Australian winemakers Njal Marquis and U.S. wine importer Dan Philips to bottle and market Australian wines. A roogle is symbolic of their efforts, and a fine bit of international cooperation it is. Australian Shiraz has a general reputation for being "fruit bombs" with intense fruit flavors and a high alcohol content. This Marquis Philips Shiraz 2003 from Southeastern Australia may exhibit some of those characteristics but it's not over the top. This is a full-bodied, ripping dark and opulent red. There are overt aromas of dark berry fruit, mocha, peppery and rustic spices, and toasted oak. It holds together well in the lip-smacking mouth with rich black cherry and plum flavors and closes with modulating caramel and pepper. Bright tannins and a lingering finish ends with a smooth diminishing coda. Roogles may be big on character but there's no need to be shy of them.