2008 Journeys End Vineyards Arrival Shiraz

The high point of Ben Riggs' Journeys End Shiraz Collection, differentiated by the use of only the best barrels, longer barrel maturation times and fruit from lower cropping vines. The label is of particular interest in that it celebrates a turning point in Australia's early wine history. James Busby left Australia for a European tour in 1831 and is generally considered to be the first to return with Shiraz vines.

Rich and exuberant this voluptuously textured Shiraz is drinking beautifully.

Totally opaque black as night core with a dark brick red black tinged hue. Heady aromas of liquorice, ripe blackberries, dark plums and dark chocolate waft out of the glass over vanillin oak, hints of earthy leather and spice. Still amazingly rich and decadently opulent the palate dishes up bright liquorice, blackberry and dark plum flavours which completely flood the mouth over vanillin oak, subtle leather, earth and spice. Rating 10/10 on a scale of voluptuousness, possessing a satiny mouthfeel , velvet smooth tannins and outstanding power, it finishes with a very long succulent aftertaste of liquorice, ripe blackberries, dark plums, vanillin oak, traces of scorched earth, leather and spice.
Drink over the next 1-2 years.
Alc 14.5%

First tasted January 2015: Totally opaque inky black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. The nose displays intense aromatics of dark plums, black cherries, liquorice and ripe blackberries over a dark chocolate and vanillin oak background with spice end notes. Decadently rich with a round opulent mouthfeel the palate delivers a flamboyant flavour profile of liquorice, black cherries, ripe blackberries and dark plums with a backdrop of subtle dark chocolates and spicy vanillin oak. Superb concentration and power with supple silky smooth tannins. Exceptionally long liquorice, black cherry, blackberry, smoky vanillin oak and spice aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
98 points