Balgownie Estate Shiraz 2005 (Bendigo, Vic)
Screwcap, $30

An old label truly back on song thanks to a much needed cash injection. Good stuff.

This Shiraz is dark red with quite purple edges (Pleas God no Viognier!). The nose seems to carry a little Viognier fragrance, but maybe my malevolence towards the humble V grape has me on the lookout. On second sniff, I think there might be a little in there. Anyway, this wine smells like baked apples, redcurrants, black jubes, musk & vanilla. Its a heady, yet open, volatile, red fruited nose that is attractive enough (I’m Viognier spooked so can’t enjoy it).

The palate, again, is where this wine shines. It is very very polished. Elegant, refined & quite light (in context of many other Central Victorian reds) the red fruits are medium bodied, the palate is so perfectly judged that there is no heat & the lightness of extract makes this very drinkable indeed. Fine tannins. Polished. 18+