2008 Balnaves of Coonawarra Shiraz

Matured in new and second fill French oak from Dargaud & Jaegle, Seguin Moreau and Saury for 15 months, a small volume of Viognier has been included to add some perfume and lift to the nose and round out the tannins on the palate.

Totally opaque, black crimson colour showing superb depth with very deep, black crimson hue. The nose displays perfumed scents of blackberry, liquorice and confectionary, with some blackpepper end notes. Medium to full bodied, the palate delivers flavours of blackberry, liquorice and vanillin confectionary, followed by some blackpepper on the back palate - all within an elegant framework. Fine grained tannins with long, blackberry, liquorice and meaty, blackpepper aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years (2016-2017)
Alc 14.5% Other Reviews...
Dense, deep purple-crimson; has more structure and depth than the usual silky medium-bodied Balnaves style; the difference lies in style, not quality, for this medium- to full-bodied shiraz has layers of black berry fruits, pepper and spice, French oak from top rank barrel makers adding a further dimension, as do firm tannins.
95 points
James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion