Devil's Lair Fifth Leg Cabernet Shiraz Merlot 2005
A delicious young and early-drinking red packed with genuinely ripe but not overcooked flavours of dark berries, cherries and plums. Its bouquet has a floral aspect, with undertones of dark chocolate/cedar oak and nuances of dried herbs. Medium to full in weight, its fruit-driven palate is framed by very fine, dusty tannins. It finishes long and lingering with fresh dark fruit and lively acidity. (Margaret River, $18 retail, approx., 90 points, drink 2007-2010) Jeremy Oliver
Why the fifth leg? Clearly a free standing limb, not attached to the body corporate; a mischievous tearaway who knows no bounds and certainly doesn't adhere to the constraints of its respected elders.
Cast aside your oxygen supply and inhale deeply on this irresistible red blend from Western Australia. Immerse yourself in the depth of Cabernet Sauvignon fruit flavour buoyed by the zero gravity of succulent Merlot. Plunge deeper for the sheer liquid pleasure of Shiraz. Forget coming up for air and throw yourself into the abyss.
Regional Source: Western Australia
Vintage Conditions: 2004 will go down as a great year for reds in Western Australia (although whites are pretty smart as well). A long, warm, dry summer and autumn gave great conditions for fruit and flavour development. The resultant wines have bright varietal fruit with lovely soft tannins.
Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz (Syrah)
Maturation: The wine was barrel aged for 12 months in a combination of American and French oak.
Aromas of mulberries, cherries, plums and spice - all things nice. A wonderful mix of complex fruit characters are gently supported by subtle spicy oak, a wine full of bright vibrant fruit. The nose on the palate! Rich generous fruit, with great length and persistence. All this fruit is kept in a tight package by the traditional Margaret River tannins. A wine that will drink well tonight, and keep for another 5 or so years. Worth the test. Stuart Pym
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