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Tuesday, September 10, 2019

Glaetzer Godolphin 2004

Glaetzer "Godolphin" Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley South Australia 2004
A quiet evening at home, Linda prepared a platter of artisan cheeses, sliced fresh fruit, toasted almonds and honey to accompany a bottle of highly rated Aussie Shiraz Cabernet. 

I acquired several bottles of this release a dozen years ago and served it more than once at some gala business dinners with some key strategic partners. I still hold a couple bottles from a series of vintages and pulled the oldest vintage to manage the cellar. 

Shortly thereafter, Godolphin Shiraz Cabernet had it's name changed to 'Anaperena' due to a dispute or confusion of the name with another label from another producer. Anaperena is the same wine from the same sources produced by the same winemaker, with the same branding and symbol on the label as its predecessor from the same renowned Barossa vineyards.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this label 96-98 points and called it a "nearly perfect wine", citing its "extraordinary equilibrium, precision, and purity". Jeb Dunnuck gave it 97 points and said, "I love this wine' and speaks of its 'amazing balance and stunning mouthfeel", while James Halliday gave it 95 points and called it "supple and luxuriant".

Glaetzer Godolphin 2004 is a blend of 70% Shiraz sourced from 105- to 115-year-old vines, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon from 60- to 90-year-old vines. It was rigorously selected to only the best fruit and was aged 15 months in French oak.

While we love large fruit forward robust Assie Shiraz, Linda actually didn't think much of this wine. The first evening upon opening, it presented a slight bit of a sharp edge that Parker called crushed rocks and minerals that detracted from the fruit flavors. After setting it aside for two nights, the edge had dissipated and the fruits were more predominate albeit subdued.

Dark blackish inky purple color, full bodied, complex, the moderately sweet black currant and black raspberry fruits were moderate, balanced and nicely integrated, accented by notes of earth and black tea with hints of white pepper, cassis and oak on a slightly sharp tangy lingering finish.

I wish I could ride the crest of lofty ratings but perhaps at a baker's dozen years it has lost some of its elegance, polish and luster. In any event, I gave it a more down to earth 92 points, still superbly good.

https://www.cellartracker.com/wine.asp?iWine=180825

http://glaetzer.com/ 




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