Taltarni Shiraz. Old school tablecloth apt.

Taltarni Shiraz 2009 (Pyrenees, Vic)
14%, Cork, $39.99
Source: Sample
www.taltarni.com.au

A blend of 86% Shiraz, 9% Mourvedre and 5% Viognier, this was made in the age-old Taltarni style – small parcels, long skin contact and 18 months in barrel. Note the cork – this is an old school wine, sealed with an old school closure. Not that there is anything wrong with that…

Deep but luscious from the outset, this is a dark looking beast. The Viognier gives a certain plushness too, softening what is a minty and firmly extractive nose. Still, the liqueured plum fruit here never looks hard, just robust.  Robust is a great word for it actually, the palate rugged, a bit hot and very firm, the fruit already drying out just a fraction behind all that structure.

Guaranteed to live, this is stout, savoury and hearty, a well made, ‘flashback’ style that will live for an age, built on tannins and extract. It’s actually quite charming underneath all that weight too. A keeper.

Drink: 2014-2024+
Score: 17.5/91+