COLOUR The 2008 Shiraz is a deep plum red with a crimson hue. NOSE The aroma has an array of intricate fragrances lifting from the glass with each swirl. Initially the nose is rich with plum, dried fig fruit, strong coffee bean, clove and smoky French oak. With time the fruit turns to bright cherry with light herbal notes and the oak evolves to vanilla and toffee. Wafting through all these layers is an ethereal perfume that, in one instance, is sweet with musk and vanilla nuances and then, in another, is spicy and floral with peppercorn and violet characters. PALATE The wine is medium bodied with upfront plum and raspberry fruit. This lovely juicy fruit is supported by some dry yet elegant tannins that are just grainy enough to add texture and structural complexity to the mid palate. A bright, almost steely acidity bursts to life in the mid palate and drives long and fresh right through to the finish carrying with it an assortment of fruity and spicy flavours. The palate finishes long, dry and full of toasted cloves and dark chocolate.