Fermented in French hogsheads, 35% new, and aged for 18 months, the 2008 Shiraz gives a very deep purple-black color and slightly reduced / rubbery notes giving way to aromas of creme de cassis, mulberries, tar, bacon fat, dark chocolate and damp loam. The palate is well structured with crisp acid and a firm level of finely grained tannins supporting the fleshy, full bodied fruit. It finishes with good persistence of savory meat and dark berry flavors. Good now, it has the backbone to cellar through 2016. Importer: John Larchet, The Australian Premium Wine Collection; www.tapwc.com.au