The DeBortoli/Shelmerdine collaboration known as PHI moves from strength to strength with its inaugural Rhone blend. It’s roughly equal parts Shiraz and Grenache fermented with ambient yeasts in large format old French oak. Some incorporation of whole bunches as well.
Slightly desiccated cherry and raspberry vies with licorice, thyme and pepper on the nose. It’s gorgeously ripe and intense but never heavy in the mouth and a savoury, sanguine mineral edge provides a perfect foil to the riper fruit flavours. Stalky tannins will hold it in good stead as it develops further complexity over the next five to ten years. Dense and layered without sacrificing detail, this is simply delicious drinking. Excellent
Region: Heathcote
Alcohol: 14.2%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $35
Tasted: January 2012
screwcap wine at 35$ it’s a robbery!!!!
cheap cap, cheap and not so original label (it’s a greek letter….), wrong meaning (the majuscule letter is only used in geometry….the minuscule is related to nature) so poor research…..
not enough to deserve 35$
It’s a very, very good wine and I’m extremely glad it’s under screwcap, which is a superior closure to cork under most circumstances. This was received as a sample but I’ve since purchased more at $35 for the cellar.