Marquis Phillips
Shiraz 9

The "Roogle" - half kangaroo and half eagle representing the American-Australian partnership of Marquis Phillips.

Dec 17,  2003 - 2002 RM91 $39 Like the '01, a bit less polished from the 2000, but there is a hint of that distinctive 'burnt sugar creme brulee' taste, but it hides behind a big forward rich ripe currant and black cherry fruit that gives way to a smokey tannin on the long sweet vanilla finish.  Tasted at the the wonderfully delightful W.A. Frost in St Paul. Difficult to find due to the accolades afforded this wine by RP, they had it in stock at Haskells Wines in Minnetonka.

Oct 10, 2003 - 2001 WS92 RM92 $39 A bit less polished from the 2000, but that distinctive 'burnt sugar creme brulee' taste abounds. HS of WS calls it 'exotic spice' taste, "very ripe and dense,  with rich blackberry jam flavors, which echo on the smoky finish". This is a rare treat if you can find it.
July 17, 2003 - RM 94 RP 95 RC 94 $39. Awesome wine. Parker says - "run, don't walk to your wineshop and pick this up". I say buy as much as you can. Incredible taste - burnt sugar, buttery vanilla - creme brulee in a bottle! Huge flavor - a foot wide and a mile deep. Huge forward explosion of taste w/ a smooth polished finish. Massive currant, vanilla & butter licorice. Unique extraordinary - what fun!! An unfair tasting with the more delicate and sophisticated Bordeaux. Tasted with our friends Kip and Gordon and other patrons at Capital Grille in Tyson's Corner.