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Marquis Philips/Grateful Palate/Australian Reds

Group,

Has anyone tried any of the Marquis Philips wines? I've been reading a lot of hype about their wines and wondered how they actually compare.

I managed to pick up a bottle of the 2001 Integrity at retail (USD75) without knowing too much about it, other than that Parker gave it a 99 and I was looking for a real good Australian shiraz. I noticed over the last few months that it was selling at winecommune.com for around USD200.

I figure I won't be drinking my Integrity for several years and I've been trying to get some of the less expensive wines that are also much hyped. I don't think they make it out here to Idaho, but my dad in Florida just picked up a case of the 2002 Sarah's Blend to split with me -- at USD15 a bottle.

Has anyone had tried either the Integrity, the Sarah's Blend, or any other Marquis Philips wines?

Also, my mom and sister recently signed me up for the wine of the month club and the 6 bottle grab bag at gratefulpalate.com -- which is run by Dan Philips, half the Marquis Philips name. Does anyone have any experience with any of the wines from Grateful Palate's wine of the month clubs? I haven't received any yet.

Since I'm on the topic of Australian wines, can anyone give me some recommendations for some tasty Australian reds -- at any price, but especially under USD30 and under USD15. I like cabernet sauvignon, shiraz, merlot, and blends thereof. I'm certainly willing to try other wines as well. As I mentioned, I'm in Idaho (Boise) so I don't have the world's best selection. I'd appreciate any recommendations though -- I can always try to order them.

Thanks,

Rob Adelson

Reply to
Rob
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Hi Rob -

Yes indeed, I have been enjoying the MP wines since their inaugural release back in 2000, and they have yet to disappoint, offering probably the finest quality for the price to be found anywhere. The only one of the lineup I have been unimpressed with is the Merlot (consistently - perhaps their Merlot is just not my style). The Shiraz, Sarah's Blend, and Cabernet are consistently terrific wines at outstanding pricing.

Yep! I had the Sarah's Blend a couple weeks ago, here are my notes:

Decanted for 2+ hours. Dense dark purple color with a nose you can smell 2-3 feet away, showing creamy blueberries, candied cherries, & sweet caramel. The palate is marked by quite high acidity, ripe sturdy tannins, a heavy oak influence, and a ton of sweet fruit. The finish is surprisingly short, and I think a brief rest in the cellar will help this wine come together better. 91+ points. drink 2004-2006.

Also had the Integrity for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I'm glad to have over a half case in my cellar - here are my notes:

Very dark in color, with a simply enormous nose packed tight with a huge array of aromas - clove, anise, berries, fennel, cassis, and cocoa. In the mouth this wine explodes in a dazzling display of flavors, complexity, and depth with amazing layers of fruit and spice leading to a finish that goes on and on and on. Lovely stuff, and I can't argue with Parker's 99 point rating.

Sorry, can't help you here.

You betcha. First, while still talking Marquis Philips, check out the other two premium bottlings they have come out with - the 'S2' is 100% Cabernet. The 2001 release is incredible, and you should start seeing the 2002s in the Fall. The '9' is 100% Shiraz - again, an awsome wine that should show up in the Fall. Expect both to sell out almost immediately, so keep a keen eye out or setup a relationship with some retailers and express you interest in advance.

On the market now, and widely available, is the 2002 Paringa Shiraz. Priced at under $10 (usually about $7.99 or $8.99), it is an oustanding value.

Another up-and-comer is Two Hands Winery. Check out the 2002 Angel's Share Shiraz which you should be able to find for under $20, the 2002 Brave Faces (a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and I think Mouvedre) for $20-$25. The Two Hands Lily's Garden is a bit more expensive, $30-$40 but the 2001 is one very very fine Shiraz - the 2002 should start showing up in the next couple months.

You may still be able to find some of the 2001 Mitolo G.A.M Shiraz, well worth picking up at about $30.

Also keep an eye out for Torbreck stuff, priced from $15 up they represent some excellent deals also.

Happy hunting!

Eric White

Reply to
Eric White

A mixed marriage, eh, John? ;-) My sympathies... I'd suggest that you get her to a meeting of Quercaholics Anonymous. She's just a 12-step program away from complete recovery...

Mark Lipton

Reply to
Mark Lipton

Mark Lipton wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@purdue.edu:

Funny.......that's about what she says about me, just a 12-step away from recovery and good taste.

But leave it to a chemist to come up with "Quercholics Anonymous". I like that!

John

Reply to
John Gunn

Glad you liked it. Many say that my sense of humor is "quercky," and that's putting it kindly... :P In all seriousness, though, I am quite fortunate in that my wife's tastes have evolved along similar lines to my own, away from over-oaked and flabby fruit bombs to more structured and complex wines (though she is known to order a K-J Chard in our local brewpub while I am downing a pint). Now if I could only get her to enjoy Riesling and Syrah, our marriage would be complete! ;-)

Mark Lipton

Reply to
Mark Lipton

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