2007 Tatiarra Cambrian Shiraz

Although the 2007 growing season was difficult due to the extreme drought conditions, great wine was still produced at Tatiarra. Viticulturist Bob Wilson uses radio controlled moisture probes to monitor root moisture content, whilst manipulating bud numbers, canopy cover and crop levels. The team's skills were fully tested, however they managed to maintain tension and avoid stressing the vines – a tough ask even under ideal conditions.

Re-tasted 18/03/2016:
Superb colour displaying a totally opaque midnight black core with a deep dark red black hue. Powerful aromas of liquorice, blackberry liqueur and ripe black cherries jump out of the glass over some spicy vanillin oak, dark chocolate, subtle new leather and light pepper. Densely concentrated with a rich luxurious mouthfeel, flavours of liquorice, ripe blackberries and black cherries fill every inch of the palate with ensuing nuances of spicy vanillin oak, subtle new leather and pepper. Magnificent power. Velvet smooth tannins. Very long. Lavish aftertaste of ripe blackberries, liquorice, spicy vanillin oak, subtle new leather and pepper.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc 15.5%

Originally tasted October 2012:
Outstanding inky black dark purple colour with deep dark purple black hue. Magnificent uplifted nose with scents of ripe blackberry and liquorice supported by some underlying spicy toasted vanillin oak and finishing with some blackpepper end notes. The palate boasts superb concentration and richness with explosive flavours of liquorice, blackberry and toasty vanillin followed by a long blackpepper and spice finish. Outstanding persistence. Firmish yet beautifully structured and perfectly balanced tannins provide the necessary support to the loads of succulent fruit. Exceptionally long liquorice, blackberry, toasty vanillin oak and blackpepper aftertaste. Maturing very gracefully this sensational example of Heathcote Shiraz has years of life ahead of it.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc 15.5%
97 points