This sits beneath only The Patron in the hierarchy for Taltarni. Shiraz 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon 40%. Bottled under cork in an impressive bottle indeed.

Taltarni, Reserve, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pyrenees, 2018

Briar, ink and bitumen, black currant, leather belt (steel buckle), cigar, some meaty grunt, plum, violets, chocolate, a touch of spearmint and some coconut husk oak. Powerful and dark, there’s mesh tannin wrapped dark supple fruit which hides a razor nick of acidity. Well built, muscular without bulk: perhaps taking inspiration from the legend of the black panthers that roam the district.

RRP: $75
Alc: 14.5%
Rating: 18.75/20 (94/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Taltarni