Taltarni Reserve Shiraz Cabernet 2005 (Pyrenees, Vic)
14%, Cork, $65
Source: Sample
www.taltarni.com.au

05 Taltarni Reserve Shiraz Cab Will live forever

Even at seven years of age this full bodied red still looks youthful. That’s an achievement in any context, a clear indicator that this firm, minty, obstinately backwards sort of red will live for as long and mature as well as the 77. It’s even drinkable right now, a clear indicator of just how bloody good this wonderfully old school red is. I dig it.

Inky dark red, very deep and dense looking – all correct really. The nose is actually quite open for one of these Taltarnia reds, carrying something of an oak sweetness yet set in a backdrop of underlying Pyrenees mint and macerated black fruits. It’s a richly fruited, yet not sweet fruited sort of nose, a wine of vinosity, not berries, and all the better for it. Perhaps just a little too much oak at the moment? Still, it would be good to have some of this in the cellar (note to self – buy some).

There is an intense, choc plum and Christmas cake sort of palate too with a very deep profile of firm, slightly minty fruit that follows the Pyreneean recipe perfectly. Those dry, drying, firm tannins hit you hard too, a pure ‘don’t mess with me’ sort of palate definer that suggest this will live – and mature – with absolutely aplomb. Even now it looks balanced, ripeish (no escaping that it is well ripe) yet still with vibrancy.

Wonderful Taltarni red in the classic style. Buy some and put it in the cellar for 20 years. You won’t be disappointed.

Drink: Now – 2040
Score: 18.5/20 94/100
Would I buy it? Yes. It’s expensive sure but considering that it is so bloody good (and will only get better) the price seems justified. Context helps no doubt, but this remains a wine with much to give.