Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Wine of The Week - Tait Ball Buster Barossa Valley 2009

Tait Ball Buster Barossa Valley 2009 ($19.99)

In the time I’ve worked at Schneider’s of Capitol Hill, I’ve come to expect great things from our Australian wines. Along with Chile and Argentina they consistently offers high quality without necessarily breaking the bank. The Ball Buster, a blend of 73% Shiraz, 15% Merlot, and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, is from Barossa Valley and made by exceptionally talented wine maker, Bruno Tait. The 2009 vintage does not disappoint.

In the glass, the wine exhibits an appealing deep purple color. The aroma is a pleasant blend of dark chocolate, honcho pepper, and cranberry. Upon tasting, you’ll immediately notice that the wine is full bodied, with a moderate level of acidity. On the palate, there is an opulent display of blackberry, baked plum, and dark chocolate. There are definite notes of cinnamon and vanilla, on what is an impressive and lengthy finish for a wine at this price point. At $19.99 it’s a steal, ideal with grilled meat, yet is sophisticated and balanced enough to be appreciated on its own.

Kevin Ross

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