The color of this wine is a very deep red, dark and opaque - typical of Cape d'Estaing wines. The nose is lifted, ripe and forward showing generous plummy Shiraz notes with plenty of complementary oak. The palate is big and full, with rich lingering Shiraz flavors such as spice, plums and berry fruits. The structure is solid and complete with the young tannins providing a great backbone to the palate. The wine was aged in a combination of French (60%) and American oak - 80% hogsheads and 20% barriques. 78% of the barrels were new and the remainder had been used once before.

"The dense ruby/purple-colored 2003 Shiraz exhibits a distinctive earthy component along with loads of spice, black currant, plum, and sweet pepper-like characteristics, full body, beautiful fruit, and surprising acidity as well as freshness. Drink it over the next 7-8 years." -Robert Parker's, The Wine Advocate