Jip Jip Rocks!

Fall is usually a good time for new releases - especially Aussie reds and Kiwi whites. I haven't been very adventurous lately, or perhaps I just haven't been moved by what has been offered in the most recent LCBO releases. And so I hoped that now that the weather is turning (well it is supposed to, but thanks to global warming, it seems that we are in the height of Summer again!) we hope to have more of a selection at hand. I guess I am still a little early . . .

While waiting for Jim Jim to come in (latest word is early November) I thought that I might give Jip Jip Rocks another chance. The last time I tried it was a couple of years ago. A friend of mine recommended it and then one of my fellow winos also pointed it out to me. It was a big red Parker loving Shiraz. It had all the elements - big forward red fruit, and smacking of black pepper with an after shock of cherry cough syrup. (sorry G - that was my first impression). Not my favorite style of Shiraz. I think that was in 2006 or 07 and we were tasting a Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2005.

Fast forward to September 2009. Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2007. Unctous, chewy, love! (oohh! that sounds a little too sex-s-ual!!) In the glass it was a curtain of intense, dark purple-red, almost opaque satin, staining the sides of the glass as it slid down. The aromas drifted upwards with a complex mixture of light smoke, black plum, leather, black pepper, allspice? oak? and minerals. Very intense. When I finally tore myself away from the seduction to finally taste, I was not disappointed. Lively and rich raspberry, dark ripe plum, bark, white pepper. Medium tannins supported the fruit, allowing for a perfect balance ending with a medium to long finish. I have learned my lesson, if at first they don't exceed, try, try again!

JIP JIP ROCKS SHIRAZ 2007
VINTAGES 673897 750 mL bottle $14.95
Wine, Red Wine, 14.5% Alcohol/Vol., Sugar Content : D

Made in: Australia Victoria, Australia By: C & E Bryson
Release Date: Sep 12, 2009

Description
Jay Miller, writing on Robert Parker Jr.'s website, gave this wine a score of 90, but did not provide a written review (www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2009)

Tasting Note
Young, oak-dominated nose - still closed. Powerful, ripe blackberry flavours with oak sitting just behind for now. 3-5 [years]. Score - 3 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (www.winestate.com.au, Undated)