Grant Burge Balthasar Shiraz 2009 (Eden Valley, SA)
14.5%, Cork, $35
The vintage may say 2009 but this a throwback wine – built 90s style, with the rich, ultra-toasty oak that reminds me simply of the 1998 vintage (where new oak was the only way).
Thickly set and oak thick, this smells ripe – 2009 ripe – with cocoa, mint and chocolate cream. That lusciousness is pretty attractive all said and done, even though wine dominates nose, palate and finish and there is some nice blue and blackberry fruit underneath.
Not without charm and will please many.
Source: Sample
Tasted: July 2014
Drink: 2014-2024+
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100
Would I buy it? Not quite. But this has a place.
Buy online: Grant Burge website
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