Steinborner 2004 Ancestry Shiraz Viognier March 08

Tasting Note

Sydney Time

Steinborner 2004 Ancestry Shiraz Viognier March 08 is sealed under cork and sells for $25 direct from the winery. There is only 3% Viognier in the blend. The bouquet shows earthy apricots characters, black fruits (cherry and berry,) spice, and sweet nutmeg. Fine tannins combine with deeply-seated, bright fruit to deliver an ample-weight, firm, solid and tight wine. There is little sign of Viognier flavour on the palate which is good, and it has had just enough influence to soften the tannins. It's primarily off-sweet with blackberry, sour cherry, pepper and mocha flavours, and whilst it lingers well, the lively acid sticks out slightly. It needs time to loosen up and will probably be in its peak drinking window between 2010 and 2014. Rated as Recommended with *** for value, its OK for the price.