2001 Tait The Ball Buster Shiraz

The back label of this wine is quite ‘macho’ with an obvious appeal to the American market. The wine is being promoted as a ‘Ball Buster’ with a strong reference of its enormous weight and depth of flavour, but whilst it does carry weight, it falls short of being a Ball Buster. We realise that it is relative, but for the sake of a reference point, let us nominate 2001 Clarendon Hills Astralis as a Ball Buster – the other wines have to match its qualities to carry the title – any disagreements?

Very deep crimson colour, with deep crimson hue. Lifted nose, with distinct aroma of vanilla, spice and dark chocolate. Full bodied palate, with generous weight and ripe flavours of spice and plum emerging over a background of blackpepper. Fine dryish tannins, followed by an aftertaste of spice and plum.
Cellar 2-3 years (2005-2006)
Alc/Vol: 14.9%

RATING: 90/100

VALUE: XXX/5