Grant Burge
Meshach Barossa Shiraz
Barossa Valley, Barossa, South Australia, Australia
Our convict-friends down under are flexing their muscles with this. It's a huge departure from Napa and France, so make some mental adjustments before pulling the cork.
It requires at least 4hrs in a decanter, so plan accordingly.
The nose is dominated by cedar and sandalwood, chased by jammy dark fruits. No heat on the palette, but tannins are still evident. Notes of wet asphalt, Indian spices, sweet dark cherries put a capstone on what is a flamboyant, yet restrained Shiraz. Perfect balance is attained with juicy acidity and 13.5 abv, which accounts for the lack of heat that I was expecting. This easily has another 10 years of runway ahead of it, so no rush to consume these.
Our convict-friends down under are flexing their muscles with this. It's a huge departure from Napa and France, so make some mental adjustments before pulling the cork.
It requires at least 4hrs in a decanter, so plan accordingly.
The nose is dominated by cedar and sandalwood, chased by jammy dark fruits. No heat on the palette, but tannins are still evident. Notes of wet asphalt, Indian spices, sweet dark cherries put a capstone on what is a flamboyant, yet restrained Shiraz. Perfect balance is attained with juicy acidity and 13.5 abv, which accounts for the lack of heat that I was expecting. This easily has another 10 years of runway ahead of it, so no rush to consume these.
I got my mind right, boss...
I'm ready for this tonight. The nose is dense and heavily perfumed with sandalwood, cinnamon, incense and pepper.
The palette is sweet and completely linear. It's shed all its puppy fat, and we are down the basic components. Lots of figs, prunes and maybe linze torte. This is a very well-behaved example. The oak is evident, but not overwhelming. This still needs time to relax a little more. Give this another 3 - 5 years to further evolve.
I got my mind right, boss...
I'm ready for this tonight. The nose is dense and heavily perfumed with sandalwood, cinnamon, incense and pepper.
The palette is sweet and completely linear. It's shed all its puppy fat, and we are down the basic components. Lots of figs, prunes and maybe linze torte. This is a very well-behaved example. The oak is evident, but not overwhelming. This still needs time to relax a little more. Give this another 3 - 5 years to further evolve.
Wow. Like a big loving hug from @Ron R, which, coincidentally, is who gifted this lovely cuvée. Soft but powerful. Shocked at the13.5 abv. This has stood the test of time well. Wonderful nose with all the characteristics of an aged Shiraz. Beautiful!!
Wow. Like a big loving hug from @Ron R, which, coincidentally, is who gifted this lovely cuvée. Soft but powerful. Shocked at the13.5 abv. This has stood the test of time well. Wonderful nose with all the characteristics of an aged Shiraz. Beautiful!!
Jun 25th, 2017
Ripe and fleshy. Aromas of stewed blackberry, bacon, tar and sweet spices. Beautifully balanced. Still plenty of fruit on the nose. Will last for another 3-5 years.
Ripe and fleshy. Aromas of stewed blackberry, bacon, tar and sweet spices. Beautifully balanced. Still plenty of fruit on the nose. Will last for another 3-5 years.
Jun 4th, 2017Distinctly new world, but one of the more enjoyable barossa.
Distinctly new world, but one of the more enjoyable barossa.
Feb 11th, 2017
Happy Birthday Warren. An amazing wine for a perfect friend. Wine was well balanced and light for a summer evening. Strong nose, great color.
Happy Birthday Warren. An amazing wine for a perfect friend. Wine was well balanced and light for a summer evening. Strong nose, great color.
Jul 10th, 2016