This is terrifically lush and easy to drink now, but don’t be fooled into thinking this won’t age—there’s plenty of structure lurking underneath the layers of blackberry and blueberry fruit and veneer of toasty, vanilla-marked oak. Plus, there’s spicy complexity as well, lending savory, meaty notes to the compelling mix. Drink now–2020.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Compared to Dutschke’s top-of-line Oscar Semmler Reserve, this is a softer, almost pillowy style of Shiraz, luxurious in the way the tannins caress the palate. Complex flavors of cola, mint, pepper, blackberries, vanilla and dried spices finish long, showing a hint of warmth but also lingering fruit and licorice flavors. Drink now–2015.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Takes ripeness to its uppermost limits without going over the top, with aromas of leather and chocolate leading into flavors of chocolate, dried fruit and coffee. It’s full bodied, concentrated and creamy in texture, with a long, lush finish. Despite the ripeness and richness, it’s under 15% alcohol. Drink now-2020.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)
The Dutschke style favors plenty of richness and ripeness, and the 2006 St. Jakobi wears it extremely well. Aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and plum pudding accurately presage the flavors, and the wine is correspondingly full and lush. Don’t look for a crispness and focus; this wine floods the palate with ripe fruit and gentle baking spices. Drink now–2016.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)
A luscious Merlot-based blend, this is full-bodied, soft and rounded. Flavors build upon a base of coffee and black cherry or plum, then add hints of musk and cinnamon. Long and silky-textured on the finish; best enjoyed over the next five or six years.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
Hews closely to the Dutschke style: Full and soft, with slightly jammy dark cherry-berry notes accented by cedar and Mexican chocolate. This is a velvety, immediately accessible Shiraz for relatively early drinking, delivered at a remarkably fair price.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)
This has been a consistently excellent offering over recent vintages, combining Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot to good effect. Oaky shadings of vanilla and coconut frame chocolaty fruit, lined with just enough of a bright cherry note. It’s full bodied and creamy textured, with a long, plush finish. Drink now–2020.
— J.C.
(2/1/2013)
A lush, slightly unstructured but immensely pleasurable mouthful of Shiraz, the 2007 St. Jakobi boasts bright raspberries balanced by lashings of chocolate. Easy to drink, it should put smiles on the faces of Shiraz lovers everywhere. Drink it over the next few years.
— J.C.
(3/1/2010)