2002 Glaymond, Mitolo & Parson's Flat Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon Padthaway Horizontal

“Produced from 26-year old vines and aged in French oak (80% new), the 2002 Shiraz G. A. M. reveals tremendous fruit purity, but it does not yet reveal secondary nuances. The inky blue/purple color is accompanied by aromas of ink, camphor, graphite, blackberries, and blueberries. While it possesses tremendous purity as well as an enormous full-bodied texture, it is neither heavy nor overbearing. This stunning Shiraz may be even better than the 2002 Savitar. Time will tell. Barrel samples of three 2002s revealed tremendous potential in what appears to be the finest efforts Mitolo has yet produced. There are 300-400 cases of each, and all three are scheduled to be bottled in October. Kudos to young importer (31 years old!) Ben Hammerschlag for unearthing these potential superstars. (RP)” (08/2003)

“Supple and perfectly balanced, medium-bodied black fruits, dark chocolate and spice; sweet fruit on the finish; very stylish wine.” (03/2004)

“Full ruby-red. Gamey, Northern Rhone -like aromas of roasted currant, violet, gunflint, minerals, bitter chocolate and licorice, with an overlay of sexy French oak. Concentrated, juicy and penetrating, with saline flavors of tangy black fruits and licorice. Wonderfully sappy wine with terrific inner-mouth energy. Finishes long and firmly tannic but not at all hard or dry. I like this style. (ST)” (07/2004)

“Creamy nose, with a lovely depth of warm, chocolate, slightly minty fruit. Full, opulent texture. Some style here. Decent acidity. Lovely presence on the palate. Fine, ripe tannins. This is very good indeed, and has very good potential.” (05/2005)

“Seriously good. Very fine integrated, well-melded fruit. A bit drier than the super-sweet predecessors. Super-vibrant and explosive. Very long. (JR)” (01/2007)

“This elegant, stylish blend of 66% Shiraz and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits toasty, smoky oak intermixed with black currant, bay leaf, and underbrush characteristics. (RP)” (10/2004)

“Abundant black fruits and chocolate; good oak handling, well balanced.” (07/2011)

“My favorite of this portfolio is the 2002 Landrace, a brilliant blend of 70% Shiraz (from 40-year-old vines) and 30% Mourvedre, the latter varietal providing structure and uplift to the ripe Shiraz. This full-throttle, complex red offers aromas and scents of mushrooms, underbrush, blackberry liqueur, and sweet new saddle leather in a provocative, full-bodied, layered style. This immensely impressive 2002 can be drunk now, or cellared for 7-10 years. (RP)” (10/2004)

“Dark ruby. Sweet cassis, blackberry and kirsch aromas, complicated by sweet tobacco, tree bark and a note of road tar. Fat, thick and almost oily, with extracted, clinging flavors of peppery blackcurrant and blackberry preserves. As rich and unctuous as this is, the flavors do not lack for energy. Finishes weighty and sweet but lively, with no noticeable tannins. (JR)” (09/2005)