Norton Estate “Arapiles Run” Shiraz 2005 Thursday, Mar 27 2008
Tasting Notes and Australia and Grampians and Wines of the Month and Tip Top Tipple and Variety and Red and shiraz et al
It’s about 6km outside the Grampians GI but I’m popping it in anyway. Tastes like Grampians and I like it better than some of the bigger (and more expensive) names from the region (or not as the case may be). So there we have it. Just call me GI Joe. I know no boundaries.
Aromatic and packed with exotic spice it fairly bursts with black cherry, blackberries, new leather and creamy vanilla oak. On the palate just above medium bodied with beautiful velvety tannins, balanced alcohol, clean acidity and a lush creamy texture. It offers sweet black cherry fruit, licorice, spice and vanilla and fairly ripples along the palate in a most seductive manner, closing with a long black fruit and spice aftertaste. It’s an absolute beauty and I strongly recommended it to fanciers of spicy Western Victorian Shiraz.
Rated : 95 Points
Tasted : Mar08
Alcohol : 13.8%
Price : $35
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2020
Source : Winery Sample
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13 Responses to “Norton Estate “Arapiles Run” Shiraz 2005”
April 4th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
An absolute special wine which,in my humble opinion, will only get better in the next few years. Thats if its possible given the quality of the wine.
April 4th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Certainly is. I have the standard 2005 shiraz still to come too.
GW
April 4th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
According to JH Wine Companion the wines are made at/by Bests. All the 2005 reds made by Viv and Adam seem to be pretty classy. At $360/case plus $10 freight I’m looking for someone to split a case.
April 4th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
Yes. Viv Thompson per the introduction email from the winery. Tasting the 05 Shiraz now and it’s a pretty smart wine too. Especially at $22. Much like the note above but without the density and intensity.
GW
May 6th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Gary, from a style perspective, is this wine similar to the Seppelt St Peters, or is it in a more robust style? Thanks.
May 6th, 2008 at 3:44 pm
Perhaps closer to older vintages of St Peters i.e. 1998 but with better oak. It’s not so peppery or meaty as more recent vintages.
GW
May 6th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Ohhhh…..well then, I have a real soft spot for the older St Peters. In fact, prefer them in some ways to the newer style. Sounds like the Norton may be right up my alley! A six pack is on its way.
May 6th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
I’d be up for this too if I was in the market. Velvet Fog style.
GW
May 6th, 2008 at 4:35 pm
PS. Let us know what you think when/if you try it.
GW
May 6th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Ordered a few bottles of the Arapilies, standard shiraz and the CSav to try.
I asked what the Arapilies was like and he said “better than Grange”. I thought that was stretching things a bit but looking at the test results from the GWometer, he was right!!.
May 7th, 2008 at 7:52 am
I have a second bottle of the CS as I lost my note on the first. Remember it as a good wine but did not like the oak on it. I’ll try it again shortly because it could just have been me. Better than Grange? Depends which vintage and how you like em..better than 98 or 99 Grange. No. Better than 00 and 03 (at present). Yes. My wife would disagree mind you…as would a whole raft of people (who are probably all out at sea).
GW
May 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Hello Gary, I was a bit frightened when I read James’s quote “better than Gange” but my father is a very proud man and in his opinion it is to him. But I will say thank you for the fact that you recon it is better than the 00 and 03 grange vintages (at present). The Arapilies Run is a lovely wine and to have it placed up there with some of the more renowned wines is a great honour. Thanks Gary.
May 16th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Well, got my 6 pack of this a few days ago, and tried one last night. Gee, it certainly is an aromatic little creature isn’t it? GW, your note is spot-on, although I did notice the oak poking out a touch at first, but after only 45 minutes in the glass this really settled down and the smooth texture and mouthfeel took over. In fairness, a young wine though. Love the blueberries and spices in this. Should age very well. A big tick from me.