This is a massive Australian shiraz with intense fruit concentration. The grapes were sourced from McLaren Vale, Clare Valley, and the Barossa Valley. It spent twenty months in French and American oak, which gives it noticeable aromas and flavours of cocoa and vanilla, yet the fruit component dominates with blackberry and blueberry jam, prune, and stewed black cherry aromas. Other aromas include mint, eucalyptus, cedar, violet, smoke, white pepper, and touches of black tea, leather, and sweet black olive. The flavours are similar, but the fruit is a bit fresher, and there is a touch of meatiness. Medium acidity and ripe, soft, medium-plus tannins bring balance to the high alcohol (14.5% declared) and intense fruit extract. Finishes long. Delicious. Tasted Nov. 2016.