Serious Big Aussie Cabernet!

Marquis Philips S2 Cabernet Blend 2004
McLaren Vale, Australia $34
What the Wine Critics Thought: Wine Spectator 92 Points
Broad and ripe, not heavy, this feels almost like a big, floating ship, emanating ripe cherry, blackberry, toast oak and hints of smoke and licorice as the finish sails on and on. Tannins are well-resolved. Drink now through 2014. —H.S.

What We Thought: This brawny bottle has an expressive nose of candied blackberry and cedar and a thick, velvety smooth palate of more blackberry and vanilla that continues to remind you that your not in California as it oozes to a heavy fruit filled finish. Big wine for big food... go buy a 16-oz. ribeye.

September 6, 2006