Tasting Note

                 Sydney Time

           Copyright © Ric Einstein 2008

Viking 2005 Grand Shiraz Nov 07

The bouquet shows a touch of VA with blackberry, boot polish, vanillin oak and menthol. Unobtrusive, fine, dusty tannins solidly support the deep, strong fruit in this tight, ample-weight, youthful wine that has all the components in the right quantity. The palate is dominated by oak flavours but given time, the fruit should sop it up. Black coffee, blackberry, tar, dark chocolate and a hit of oregano oak character all finish with good length and persistence. The power to weight ratio is very good and whilst it is approachable now, it will get better with time. Rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value, the rating may improve as the wine matures. Sealed under Diam, it costs $30 direct from the winery and at that price, its into the must buy category.