shiraz

I don't know the shiraz grape very well
but I sense it is a bit less polite
than the more familiar
cabernet and merlot

upon finishing
it doesn't apologize
for being a grape

no round of sweet pleasantries
in its goodbye

am I right?

if the 2005 Columbia Crest is any indication
the bouquet is inconsequential
relative to the initial impact
of profoundness on the tongue

followed by a full body blow
of spice plum and cherry
amidst fruity tannins

a complexity of tartness
to open the pineal

and throat-kissing departure

but wait

a second glass smoother
(and why am I so shocked?)

one might say captivating
if one weren't so preoccupied
with the experience of captivation

I will consider it a victory
to restrain from finishing
the entire bottle
tonight