Shinas Estate, The Executioner, Victoria

Big red. Prominent legs. Dark fruit, persistent finish.

Nose of warm alcoholic vapour, with notes of bourbon, blackcurrant jam, violet, and vanilla. Palate shows cordial-like fruit, balanced by sharp spirit and, to a lesser extent, some sharp acidity. Flavours of cherry jam, blackcurrant, fennel seed, and lots of oak. Flavours of prune and liquorice emerge after a few hours. Despite the huge alcohol (labelled 15.5%), it doesn't feel unbalanced. Very enjoyable.