Yering Station Shiraz Viognier Reserve

Just had a 2003 Yering Station Shiraz Viognier Reserve. This is one of the early versions of the Shiraz/Viognier blends. It is crafted with Parker in mind: very ripe and concentrated fruit, high alcohol and you would not associate this wine with the Yarra Valley. The fruit carries the alcohol reasonably well, and the wine has some elegance. However, it remains overpowering and should be drunk only between June and August (in the southern hemisphere). On the plus side, the wine is maturing well and will easily go for another 5 years.