into neck

93 points Robert Parker

[B]oasts and inky purple color, full body, great intensity, and plenty of toasty, smoky vanillin notes intermixed with hints of melted licorice, figs, plums, blackberries, and currants. Dense, low in acidity and corpulent, it is a luscious southern Australian fruit bomb of considerable flesh and intensity. (08/03)

Crafted by winemaker and master blender Sarah Marquis, this is a blend of about 50% shiraz with the remaining half split about equally between merlot and cabernet and the fruit sourced from Padthaway, McLaren Vale and Middleton South Australia (and aged using as many as 15 different oak treatments!) The guiding philosophy behind the wines from Marquis Philips has always been to create intricate, harmonious blends, while maintaining the individuality of each variety. In Sarah's Blend the merlot gives weight to the front palate, the cabernet adds texture and introduces fresh berry fruits and cedar, and the shiraz contributes an exotic spiciness and depth.