Balgownie Estate 2002 Shiraz Oct 04

So what is a tasting note for a Heathcote Shiraz doing in the middle of a swag of notes from the Yarra Bloody Valley? Well, for the answer to that question you will have to ask Balgownie who have opened a swish cellar door in the Yarra. The wine shows brooding, intense fruit, plums, oak characters, floral hints and earth. The bottle was freshly open and I would have loved to have seen it with a bit more air time. Very fine creamy tannins produce a firm but supple consistency and good mouth feel whilst providing enough stuffing to ensure this will last for some time. Deep, obvious fruit of ample weight delivers a pleasant flavour profile with an off-sweet uptake, a sweet mid palate and a persistent finish. plum, liquorice, chocolate and loads of mint are harmoniously delivered and whilst the wine is drinking well now, it will improve till 2008+. Rated as Highly Recommended with *** for value.