1997 Voss Vineyards Shiraz

It was worthwhile to taste this wine and compare its style to that of Australian Shiraz. This is a very interesting wine, but more Rhone in its restrained use of ripe fruit flavour and very fine very dry tannin structure.Medium body, crimson colour with mauve edges. The nose is perfumed, with hints of violets, spice, vanilla, plum and a blackcurrant end note. The palate has good length, with flavours of spicy plums, cherries and cedar. Fine very dry tannins, which are quite over powering for the fruit. Some earthy end flavours emerge, but the tannins remain the dominant force. This is a food wine – and when actually drunk over a meal, as distinct from being tasted, (the proteins of an under done steak cut across the tannins) provides a very satisfying flavour profile. Cellar 4-5 years.

RATING: 81/100

VALUE: XXX/5