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  • 95

2008 Tatiarra Culled Barrel Shiraz

Heathcote, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
$19. 99
Bottle
$239.88 Dozen
Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2014-2015)
ABV: 14.5%
Closure: Screw Cap

Since its inaugural release in 2002, Tatiarra winemaker Ben Riggs together with the Tatiarra selection panel have continued their practice of assessing every barrel of new vintage Shiraz prior to blending. The first vintage saw only two barrels culled due to their lacking the necessary structure to make a contribution to the Tatiarra style. However, on retasting the barrels a month later, serious doubts were raised about the wisdom of culling the two barrels that all of a sudden were beginning to blossom. Despite financial pressure, the company shows no signs of complacency and has persisted with the same policy. Vic and Simon Chlebnikowski have now taken Nick's place on the board to oversee the pursuit of perfection is maintained.

The 'reject' wine from one of the district's top producers continues to offer what is arguably the best value Heathcote red on the market. Opaque deep purple black colour with purple black hue. Aromas of freshly crushed ripe blackberry, dark plum and ink followed by some liquorice and spice end notes. Plump and juicy mouthfeel with flavours of blackberry, plum, liquorice allsorts and confectionary with some spice and black pepper back palate flavours. Good weight and concentration. Very fine grained tannins with aftertaste of black pepper, confectionary and spice. The wine has filled out and put on weight since tasting the original pre-bottling sample and will only get better with further bottle age.
Cellar 4-5 years.
14.5% Alc