Milton Park Shiraz 2007

I didn’t grab a picture or tasting notes because we had company, but I had my first bottle of Milton Park Shiraz from the 2007 vintage on Sunday.

I mentioned in the past what a steal the 2006 was. I have mixed feelings about the 2007. First, the price has gone up $2 to $9.99 a bottle, no doubt in part due to high demand for this excellent value wine. (I imagine that the falling dollar plays a role here too.) Secondly, what I loved about the 2006 (and the 2005 before it) is that it was an atypical Shiraz, in that it was lacking a strong spice character and had soft tannins and only a hint of acidity, leaving nothing but lush, dark fruit on the palate. It was jammy, ever-so-slightly sweet, and evokative of plums, concord grapes and blackberries.

The 2007 vintage has grown up, and has lost it’s stand-apart character. The taste has grown less fruity and more complex, with a characteristic Shiraz spiciness, and a smoky woodiness as well. These flavors are not at all uninviting, but were not what I have come to expect from this wine, which was remarkably consistent in the past. I want to revisit it when I have time to sit down and really pay attention. Its new flavor profile makes you want to slow down with it a bit over the previous incarnation, and take your time savoring the sophistication.  My wife said she thought it tasted young, but I disagree. While I have little doubt that it will mellow a bit over the next year or so, it’s quite drinkable now, and remains my favorite red in the $10 and under category (which is, for budgetary reasons, usually the only price rage we drink.)