Oliver's Taranga 2018 HJ Reserve Shiraz.

From vines planted in 1948, by HJ in honour of Marjorie, his sweetheart comes this august and decadent McLaren Vale Shiraz.

The Oliver's Taranga property has been growing grapes for generations, and the Old Block which produced these grapes has produced exceptional shiraz for an age. 2018 was a ripper of a vintage and so, this particular wine is pretty much at the top of its game already.

The nose is all dark berries, with a powdery floral touch, essence of vanilla and chocolate. Its rich and opulent. A deep, regal purple to look at and on the palate, there is a mix of dark chocolate, rich ripe Moyer plums and an almost crunchy spice mix of pepper, cinnamon, star anise and vanilla. Elegant, satin like tannins fill the mouth and pucker the lips.

A long, generous and chewy finish, its a wine with sophistication and elegance. This demands a prime roast rib of beef or a generous slab of scotch fillet with a cafe de paris butter. It has enough acidity to temper a bit of fat and if you prefer, have it by yourself with a block of dark chocolate in front of the fire. It is one of those wines you keep reaching for to fill the glass.

While Oliver's Taranga produce a wide variety of alternative wines, this classic Shiraz is a must have in any collection. It will cellar exceptionally well.

RRP: $75 at a good independent offy or order online.

https://www.oliverstaranga.com/

SA | 2018 | McLaren Vale | 14.5% ABV