2008 Noon Eclipse Grenache/Shiraz, S. Australia

Blended of Grenache, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano, 2008 Eclipse has a medium-deep garnet-purple color and intense aromas of black cherry, black raspberry, menthol, cumin and fennel seed with some white pepper and a whiff of dusty earth. Full bodied and rich, the fruit is very opulent if a little straight-forward with crisp refreshing acid, medium-firm velvety tannins and a long finish. Drinking well now, it should develop a few more layers with 2-3 years in bottle and drink to 2023+.

In short, due to weather conditions, the only premium red produced in 2008 was Noon Eclipse (no Reserve Shiraz or Cab produced),- reported Drew Noon. -The 2008 marks a change to the traditional blend of Grenache and Shiraz, to include a little Cabernet and Graciano fruit. We always intended for the Graciano fruit to be included in Noon Eclipse but only after 10 years in the ground do we feel the time is right to begin introducing it to the blend.
(Lisa Perrotti-Brown - eRobertParker.com #192 - Dec 2010)