Purple Moon Shiraz

Christmas 2005 I got a pleasant surprise. A friend of mine gave me a bottle of Purple Moon Shiraz. It came in a green felt wine bag. As I pulled the wine out of the bag I was greeted by the deep Purple Moon label. I had never seen this wine before and the front of the bottle did not reveal much. Only the name Purple Moon and the facts that it was a Shiraz, vintage of 2004 and the origin of California were on the front. The back of the bottle was much more telling. There is nice little story on the wine and some tasting and pairing notes. And at the bottom of the back label finally you find out about the winery and location—Purple Moon Winery, Manteca, California.

Manteca, California? Manteca? I remember Manteca. Manteca isn’t wine country. The only thing of import in Manteca was the Manteca Waterslides water park (which closed down not too long ago). Well I guess Manteca can now lay claim to a pretty good Shiraz as well.

I cracked open the Purple Moon one Friday night while doing some work on the computer. It was a little cooler than room temperature, so I could not get the full development of its aroma. However, I was greeted by a nice spicy, fruity taste. There was very little trace of the cask, it was all fruit.

There is no presence on the web for this winery (or I can not find it). I would like to know more about the makers of this wine. Thanks again to my friend (Ms. Perfect) for this wonderful wine!

Purple Moon Shiraz 2004

Color/Appearance: 4

Nose: 3

Taste: 3.5

Consistency: Unknown

Overall: 3.5