Zema Estate Shiraz 2008 (Coonawarra, SA)

14.5%, Screwcap, $28
Source: Sample
www.zema.com.au

Coonawarra seems to have survived the 2008 heatwave better than most South Australian regions, its cooler southern maritime clime tempering the temps enough to salvage some vibrancy in the wines. If not vibrancy at least some mid palate generosity, often tipped with sweet alcohol heat.

Quite a few of the 2008 Coonawarra wines have more residual sugar too, the wines pressed off earlier than usual to avoid the potential for dehydrated fruit tannins (the dry tannins due to berries with less juice and more skins). This Zema however is dry and still retains some juiciness, if undeniably warmer.

A sweet and oak driven sort of wine to smell, with sweet and generous dark fruit and coffeed oak. It’s a slightly diffuse nose and confected nose, if appealing enough. The palate is full through the middle and drying to finish, less elegant and more forceful than some Coonawarra Shiraz and rich, dry and warm all at once.

A bigger Coonawarra Shiraz yet with more than enough heart to carry it off. Good

Drink: 2012-2020+
Score: 17/90
Would I buy it? Not strictly but it is fairly priced and well