Mayhem & Co Big Barrels Small Berries Shiraz Very nice packaging indeed

Mayhem & Co Big Barrels Small Berries Shiraz 2009 (McLaren Vale, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $35
Source: Sample
www.mayhemandcowine.com.au

As the name suggests this sees largely larger French oak (85% new) and with only 500 cases produced. A smart effort from a heatwave vintage is this wine, showing plenty of the good bits of 09. Again the packaging deserves a mention too – smart minimalism.

The wine too is solid and well constructed, if in need of more time in the bottle. On the nose it’s all solid, rounded, tarry red fruit with edges of quite fine – if reasonably dominant – French oak. The palate is quintessentially ripe, even tending just a bit tarry and rounded, with an evenness that is really rather attractive, all etched with vanillan oak sweetness. There’s just a hint of shrivelling, though it still retains vibrancy through the warm finish, with no shortage of generosity and bounce (if not a heap of tannins).

A solid, stylish, modern Shiraz built in a strong regional style with a deft hand. Much to like here. 17.5/91