Producer: Tait
Designation: The Ball Buster
Variety: Shiraz Blend (72% Shiraz, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Merlot)
Vintage: 2007
Country: Australia
Region: South Australia
Sub-Region: Barossa
Appellation: Barossa Valley
Cost: $20 - $25 range
Background: I thought it was classic so I had to include this from the rear label of the bottle...
"G'Day Mates,
I don't know what aromas and flavors you'll find when you try this wine - wine appreciation is so subjective and often too pretentious for my liking. I make my wines the way I like them - big, thick, juicy, and deep in color. I wanted to name this wine "Michelle's Block" - after my wife. But that conjures up visions of a soft and elegant sort of wine - and trust me mates, this little beauty is nothing like that. She's broad shouldered, built like a stallion and she packs an intensity of flavor - like only the Barossa can deliver. She's what I call "The Ball Buster" mate... and so is this wine! Enjoy it -Cheers!"
Bruno Tait
Winemaker
Tasting Notes:
Initial Impressions: Lightly coats the glass as a display of short, thick legs drip slowly back down toward the semi-thick, ruby pool of purple goodness. This vino has been a favorite of ours for about 2 years. Always a consistent performer, the Ball Buster displays a strong nose of blackberry, raspberry, blueberry, licorice, and like many Shiraz', the ever so slight tinge of alcohol from this 15.5%-infused juice. Teeth-staining potential :) is roughly a 7 (10 being the most inky/"teethstainers" on the market). Delicate watery rim with little visible tannins.
Palette:
Unassuming at first. More subdued that the 06 vintage initially. Then the palette is treated to a very ripened/juicy plum flavor as well as a soft, black cherry picked directly from the tree on a hot July afternoon. A little heat is present from the alcohol (not a negative trait for me unless it overpowers the fruit). Curiously creamy with slight viscosity though not necessarily "thick". The finish is wonderful, pulling out an interesting, cheesecake-esque essence of cherry goo, vanilla, and graham crackers.
I have shared this wine with so many friends and acquaintances and EVERY person who has enjoyed this wine with us remembers it and we have never had anyone say they did not enjoy it. I think the '06 is a little more "ball busting" than the '07 but the refined state of elegance is a nice tough to this wonderful vintage. I rate this Shiraz a 91 and for the cost, it is a very good deal.
