2008 Rock Bare Barossa Babe Shiraz

A late release from the 2008 vintage which readers may recall experienced a heat wave during the final two weeks of harvest. The Rockbare team managed the temperature burst well yielding an exceptional if somewhat smaller crush of very ripe black berries. Such was the flavour intensity it was felt two years in 100% new French oak wouldn't throw this out of balance (big wines tend to eat up new oak, whereas in another wine you'd be complaining about drinking splinters). Since bottling, the tannins have integrated perfectly with the fruit and oak making for the most voluptuous Babe yet.

Saturated inky black colour – totally impenetrable with black crimson red hue. The nose presents a superb, very intense sniff with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate and liquorice followed by some mocha and vanillin confectionary like notes. Ultra rich, super concentrated and possessing a voluptuous texture the palate fills every corner of the mouth with flavours of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, liquorice and mocha with a vanillin cedary oak overlay. Silky smooth tannins provide the wine with a plush sumptuous mouthfeel. Outstanding length with very long aftertaste of liquorice, dark chocolate, vanillin cedary oak and spice. When the occasion calls for a big red this will not fail to impress.
Drink now or cellar 4-5 years (2012-2017).
Alc 15.0%