Price: $7
Maker: George Duboeuf
Varietal: Shiraz
Packaging: 750 ml bottle, natural cork
Alcohol: 12.5%
Our Rating: 8 out of 10
We decided to try Georges Duboeuf Shiraz 2003 after a fairly good experience with Georges Duboeuf Merlot. The nose of this Shiraz has ripe berry, clove, and licorice notes. Like the Merlot, the flavor isn’t particularly fruit-forward, though in this case we feel weak fruit is an impairment. There are some mild currant and plum notes, but pepper, oak, and mineral dominate. Slightly harsh tannins are ever-present. Overall, we didn’t care for the Shiraz nearly as much as the Merlot.
This is definitely a European-style Shiraz. We tend to prefer more fruit in the structure of this varietal, and hence lean toward an Australian or California interpretation. If you are of the persuasion that calls those wines “fruit bombs” and doesn’t mean it as a compliment, though, then perhaps Georges Duboeuf Shiraz 2003 would work for you.
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[...] It’s been only a few months since we tasted Georges Duboeuf Shiraz 2003 and Georges Duboeuf Merlot 2003, but it’s apparent a lot has changed with Georges Duboeuf Pinot Noir 2005. The bottle is now an explosion of color, as the glass vessel features a floral plastic overlay that completely encases it. The cork is now artificial, and, interestingly enough, is not only labeled with the name of the maker but the varietal as well. Beyond the packaging, it’s not a bad wine. The nose is rather earthy. On the palate, this Pinot Noir is well balanced, with cherry and raspberry notes leading into a spicy finish. The tannins were a bit prominent, but after a bit of breathing things smoothed out a bit. [...]