Rip Snorter Shiraz Cabernet 2005

A blend of 80% Shiraz and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red is big and bold with ripe berry and vanilla aromas. On the palate, the Shiraz lends blackberry and cracked pepper flavors, while the Cabernet contributes chocolate and licorice.

The 2005 vintage delivered fruit of exceptional depth of flavor. The two varieties were fermented separately, the Shiraz allowed to ferment at warmer temperature to achieve greater richness & depth of flavor. The Cabernet was fermented at cooler temperatures to allow a long, slow extraction of fine grained tannins. Shiraz was matured in American oak barrels for 14 months, with the Cabernet maturing for 12 months in French oak, resulting in an excellent example of this classic Australian blend.