Glaetzer Wallace, Barossa Valley 2003

Comments:

The 2003 vintage will forever live in the shadow of the super-glossy, 'once-in-a-lifetime' hype of 2002, particularly in the Barossa. But while most of the 03 Barossa reds may indeed not have quite the wow factor of the best 02s, neither do they have the worryingly vegetal undercurrents of many of the 02 reds. Some - like this beauty from Ben and Colin Glaetzer - are even more impressive in 03 than they were in 02.

Well, certainly impressive if you like your reds unapologetically rich and flavoursome: this bold, luscious and creamy wine is dripping with ripe, squashed blackberry fruit and warmth. Slow-braised, Middle Eastern-spiced lamb shanks, please.

Rating: Bloody Good