Pike’s, Clare Valley (South Australia) SMG “The Assemblage” 2003

($21, The Australian Premium Wine Collection): This blend of 56% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre and 17% Grenache is a dense and very ripe Châteauneuf-du-Pape-like wine.  The elevation of the Clare Valley — its lowest point is 1,000 feet — accounts for dramatic day/night temperature fluctuations, which allows the grapes — and the wine — to maintain acidity.  Not as big and ripe as wines coming out of Australia’s Barossa Valley, this is still a burly wine. 89 Michael Apstein Mar 6, 2007