Review: Devil’s Lair Fifth Leg and Tatler Archie’s Paddock

  On Friday evening we opened a bottle of the Devil’s Lair Fifth Leg (Red) from Margaret
  River in Western Australia. 

  It is an interesting mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  AWG
  has been storing the wine for about four years or so (perhaps longer) and it was (at least
  according to the Wine Book) ready to be opened.  The vineyard’s official tasting notes can
  be found here.

  Personally, AWG found that in 2009 it hadn’t really started to precipitate and was still an
  enjoyable drop.  

At this stage, the Shiraz had really taken over and the glass was very bitey, but tempered by the Cabernet.  It was clearly better consumed in 2008 (or perhaps 2007 as suggested).  We’d suggest opening any 2000’s you have now, while they retain character.

On Saturday night, we opened a bottle of the Tatler 2004 Archie’s Paddock Shiraz from the Lovedale region in the Hunter Valley, NSW.  When we first tasted the Archie, back in 2005 and later in 2006 & 2007 we found it to be young and under developed (as one should expect).

To put it bluntly, AWG had not expected it to mature into such a well crafted Shiraz.  Hunter Shiraz has an interesting reputation in the community, many say the ‘knock’ on Hunter Shiraz is that it is too soft, and often doesn’t develop a full body however the Archie (with aging) really turned into a knock out – and a bargain at that.

Although it was still on the softer side of Shiraz, it was very drinkable and had an attractive bouquet.  AWG had consumed about half the bottle before realising it.. Such a smooth finish and moderate complexity.

If you haven’t discovered Tatler’s yet, they are near Allandale just off Lovedale Rd.  The wines have increased in price in recent years (the Archie now fetches $25 a bottle retail), but have retained excellent quality. 

AWG can’t wait to open the Nonpariel Shiraz which is currently in the cellar. 
We are also huge fans of Tatler’s “The Sticky” Botrytis Semillon – which is consistently brilliant and one of the best dessert wines in the region without a doubt.