Grampians 14.5% Screwcap $23 Source: Retail
There are some “flaws” in this wine, but I still really like it. It’s got loads of character, speaks of its place and there isn’t an ounce of cynicism in the bottle. Good honest stuff, makes you feel better about the world and your fellow man.
That wild Grampians nature is there and a fair bit of new belt leather for such a young wine. Juicy entry of black cherries edged with redcurrants before a little undergrowth starts creeping over the fruit. The finish is very dry and a little too bitter but the movement towards that is seamless and creates its own sense of interest. Firmly medium bodied (forget the ABV) with a little brown spice alongside a shake of black pepper. Fair bit of coffeed oak too. Coal-like characters and stemmy notes carry through as extended fine tannins avoid under-ripeness, taking over the structural load when the opening thrust of acidity departs.
I wouldn’t be cellaring it but it will hold over the mid term. Complexity, food friendliness and rustic charm are high. At the price point I’ll usually take that over a more polished wine.
Winery Website- http://www.bestswines.com/
Good note. I too am generally quite partial to Best's wines, particularly at their price point. The bitterness you noted is perhaps a bit of a worry on this vintage that I'll look out for.
Cheers
Sean
Thanks Sean
I must admit I haven't noticed bitterness in any of the other 08 Grampian Shirazes I've tried so far; The Story range, Mt Langi, Best's Bin 0 etc. I'll be drinking those three again so I guess I'll see down the track.
cheers
j