Jenke, Shiraz, Barossa Valley

I'm having some pretty good luck with ageing these Aussies a few years. Last drank in 2012 and bombastic and just not my jam then, but here we are in 2018, and this is just delicious standalone after a sparkling rose and CdP. Still opaque with garnet at the very edges. Earthy funk driving the aromatics, along with wet slate, mascerated cherries, clove, blueberry, and ginger. Medium body, bright acidity, long finish, with flavors of dark cherries, maybe vermouth or …

This is big and bombastic, but the 16% alcohol (!!) is surprisingly well integrated (though it does not go completely unnoticed, it's certainly better with air). Nothing subtle here--big fruit, big alcohol, full bodied, and good length to the finish. Nose of red fruit and a good dose of barnyard, and the red fruit carries through to the palate. Better than I expected for this style, actually.