TN: D'Arenberg 'The Footbolt' Shiraz, McLaren Vale '03

Got home from training last night in a foul mood. Finished off this Argetinian Malbec-Syrah (nice GPR) and said 'Fuck it, i'm opening the Footbolt without Eric. It was under $25 and I know where to get it.' Fortunately my total lack of skill in the dojo last night didn't transfer over to my palate.

Distinctive McLaren nose; smoky and earthy. Deep garnet, almost purple in the glass. Great nose with mint, licorice, and what I can only describe as mulberries. Velvety mouthfeel, well-structured, spicy, with a solid finish. Blackberries, dark plum and cedar up front, followed by a burst of dark chocolate and cassis on the back end.

It's still on the wine rack right now, so we'll see how it changes over the next two days. If Court gets home before I finish it I may even let her try...

[As a side note, it turns out that the guy who I wrote the TNs for is a buyer for a wine store in Buenos Aires, Argentina. How scary is it to think that my palate may be responsible for other people drinking a specific wine? Awesome.]