Kirrihill Tullymore Vineyard Shiraz & Cabernet 2008

Kirrihill Tullymore Vineyard Shiraz & Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
(Clare Valley, SA)
$20, Screwcap all round, 14.5%
Source: Samples
www.kirrihillwines.com.au

I'm reviewing these two together as it is much more fun to compare and contrast (for me at least). Nice to see single vineyard wines at this price point too - shows an attention to value that is well worth mentioning. The picture here is of the Shiraz, but if you where to rub out 'Shiraz' and replace it with 'Cabernet Sauvignon' then you will have the Cabernet anyway. No need for different bottle eccentricities at Kirrihill.

In the glass both wines are resoundingly dark, though the Cabernet has a slightly lighter rim than the Shiraz, as befitting it's personality. On the nose it's all sexy-time, choc mocha milkshake oak (with a dash of formic) from the Shiraz, all of which fairly jumps out of the glass to give you a warm and welcoming, oaky Clare Valley cuddle. Contrastingly, the Cabernet carries a whiff of pencils, old wood and mint, almost as if it is from a different, oak free planet than the Shiraz.

Unsurprisingly, they taste much like they smell. The Shiraz is an easy winner, in a laid back, sweet fruited, stocky, medium bodied to full bodied style with plenty of grunt for the dollars.
It reminds me quite a bit of a mid 90's Penfolds Bin 28 actually, with that typically raw, oak polished, unashamedly blokey style that you just know steak loving Aussies will adore. Finish is rather long too, which suggests that it will only get better. Bang on for the dollars, it's an easy 'tell your friends' recommendation. 17.2/90+

Sadly, the Cabernet is truly the ugly sister of this duo, perhaps showing some of the ill effects of the 2008 SA vintage, for it follows up the rather sullen nose with a dried, fruitless and astringent palate of little generosity or love. It's a hard wine after the effusive Shiraz and I can't say I enjoyed it at all. Take the Shiraz for sure. 15.5/85