A darker maroon coloured wine, which is showing some maturation with rosewood reflections. Rich and almost jammy, the palate displays stewed fruits including plums and rhubarb. Blackcurrants mingle with spice and its all a bit like Christmas mince pies. Tannins have lightly settled with bottle maturation and even for me – careful cellaring. Although I daresay it should go down longer. But what can I say? I like the kick in the teeth of a younger wine.
On the nose – layers of oak reminiscent of pencil shavings and sawdust. These mingle with spicy savoury herbaceous expressions a bit like green capsicum. The last whiff comes across with more oxygenation and this time its sweet. I want to say plums, but really it reminds me of poached pears, kind of aromatic.
Developing into a lovely, approachable wine – attenuated yet agreeable in structure. The finish is long, fleshy yet mellowed. Cellar for a further 3+ years if you can wait that long.
14% al/vol, screw seal, I acquired this after a Christmas time wine swap a few years back. 2008 McLaren Vale Shiraz is currently listed as $25 per bottle.
