Pillar Box Red 2005

The second vintage of Pillar Box Red tastes like another hit.  Like the first vintage (2004), there is a plethora of fruit, but the 2005 seems to be a bit more "built".

Pillar Box Red is a collaboration between Henry's Drive winery of Padthaway, importer Dan Philips of Grateful Palate and Chris Ringland, consulting winemaker.  The blend of Cabernet, Shiraz and Merlot receives some oak aging.

Tasting Notes: Color: Deep purple ruby translucent.  Aromas: Blackberry, pomegranate, and smoky bacon.  Medium-bodied on the tongue, there is a late-harvest sense of sweetness, giving way to a tart gravelly tannin.  Abundant ripe red and black fruit flavors echo in the dry finish.

Closure: Screw cap.  Excellent value ($10).  Alcohol content: 15%.

Comments

[Akash Sud]

I thought the acidity was just right. The dryness and tannins were perfect too. In addition to above, I also felt it was leathery and a bit peppery. I did not catch the pomegrenate but yes, I agree there is a hint of it. I also felt it was a bit plummy.The blackberry notes are for sure more predominant. Since I have trouble with very acidic wines, I would buy this wine on a regular basis. On the whole I felt that this wine was better than a lot of other wines it's price range.

[georges]

Hi there, where could I purchase some PILLAR BOX RED ? on the internet ?
to tate it in France

Thanks
Georges

[William Smart]

Just out of curiosity, how is it possible to "not catch the pomegrenate but yes, I agree there is a hint of it." Hmm, I do not seem to understand...

[Dennis McKinney]

I had the 2005 and it had lots and lots of fruit but with excellent tannins. Seemed like the perfect conbo of new world ripeness with old world structure. It was so concentrated with a deep purple color and it left little magenta moustache marks and stained my teeth for a couple of hours. A wine this delicious for $10? Count me thrilled. I just picked up the 2006 so I will see how it hold up to previous vintages.

[david mann]

I sampled a tasting bottle given to me last night, and yes I would have to agree that it offers splendid value in its price range. A caveat though, it needs about a percentage point less alcohol, it is quite noticeable a little less would put some more focus on its structure and fruit.

[Michael Tedj]

Agree with you there Dennis about the alcohol, though tolerable it does slightly distract from the fruit. But I think they needed the grapes to be this high in sugar to get such ripeness on the palate and as a consequence the ABV is higher. I couldn't find a tannin in sight though - it's all fruit to me. I wonder if it's even oaked? Can't complain at the price. One must be careful though with such drinkable wines at such low prices.. the liver doesn't appreciate the fact you just end up drinking more and more.....

[Jeremy Pruyne]

This wine had everything I was looking for in its price range. The only thing that deterred me from ever buying it again was the table-spoon of sediment in the bottom of my glass.