Whilst at the cellar door on my recent Hunter Valley trip I did taste the Joseph, and for $70, I must admit I was quite underwhelmed. Not only was it served oxidised, even after a new bottle was opened, in my opinion, it has seen its best days. The colour of the wine indicated this particularly.
For twenty-five dollars less, this William Shiraz shone like a beacon.
A lovely colour presented itself, dark cherry like and consistent to the hue. French oak adds very well to the smooth, supple fruit flavours on show. Gentle pepper and spice are awash through the mouth leaving a finish which lingers well with good tannin grip. There is an attractive mouth warmth which calls out for a cold night by a log fire and some dark chocolate.
I bought a bottle to stash in the cellar as its optimum drinking window is still a few years away. Having said that, there is still at least a decade of cellaring potential.
Enjoy!
Who: Drayton's Family Wines www.draytonswines.com.au
What: Shiraz (13.5% alc)
Where: Hunter Valley
When: 2007
How: $45
Follow them: www.twitter.com/DraytonsWines
Follow me: www.twitter.com/Qwine
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