2002 Marquis Phillips "Sarah's Blend" (Southeastern Australia)

A great, big wine! Deep black ruby color. Gorgeous nose like a really good Bordeaux from the Graves region (my favorite Bordeaux area), but on steroids: Cassis and blackberries, sweet, tobacco-y cigar box and pencil lead scents all compete for attention. Rich, deep flavors of cassis and burnt graphite. Long, long, dense finish, with perfect balance and no discernible tannin left. Just soft, lingering flavors. A really big, seductive mouthful. 92.

I think this one is supposed to be a blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, and Merlot, but the label doesn't say. Was about $16 a year ago at Richard's on San Felipe. The 2003 is available now, but I've read in Robert Parker that that vintage of this wine is equally good.