The 2nd release of this labour intensive project from the usually reliable Kalleske. You can read all about the project here. I saw the initial release last year and whilst I’m not a BD fanatic, I could easily see the differences between the wines. This second release isn’t quite as convincing.

Kalleske, Biodynamic Barrel Project, Flower, Shiraz, 2014

Oak harvested: 28th and 29th January, 2010. Split: 20th April, 2010.

Powerful licorice, anise, dark chocolatey mint, hazelnut skins, violets, wine gum plums and prunes . Thicker on the palate than on the nose. Full bodied, heading to a porty mouth feel, with more of that wine gum plum/portello fruit with a distinct bright edge. Finishing strongly with black cherry and vanilla oak. Acid is sneaky and tannins are tightly grained. My pick of the three.

Kalleske, Biodynamic Barrel Project, Fruit, Shiraz, 2014

Oak harvested: 1st February 2010. Split: 15th April, 2010.

Meaty and gamey aromas on the nose. Under all the animalistic bent there’s sweet caramel, raspberry jube and acrid smoke. The palate fruit seems light on with raspberry and dilute blackcurrant. Disappointing.

Kalleske, Biodynamic Barrel Project, Root, Shiraz, 2014

Oak harvested: 26th and 27th January, 2010. Split: 26th April, 2010.

Again the gamey aromas on the initial nose, but not as much as the Fruit. Straw/hay bale smells, beetroot skin, Allen’s XXX mint and full charred oak. The palate again seems wan and missing when compared to the Flower. The tannins are chewy and not completely enjoyable. Finishes with plenty of herby flavours and coconut oak but unfortunately still not a patch on the regular Kalleske releases.

RRP: $150

Alc: 14.5%

Wine samples courtesy of Kalleske Wines