Tait The Ball Buster, Barossa Valley, Australia 2017 Hakkaisan Sake Brewery game and new leather waft

game and new leather waft out of the glass

Ageing 6 months in French and American oak barrels

Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a smooth texture

Dark tannins and rich

Enjoyable freshness

Tait The Ball Buster, Barossa Valley, Australia 2017 Hakkaisan Sake Brewery game and new leather waftPerhaps unsurprisingly from the name, this isn't a timid wine. Comprised mostly of Shiraz with some Cab and a bit of Merlot, it's a high octane bottling that scrapes 16% alcohol. The nose offers ultraripe cherry and currant fruits backed by vanillin oak, baking spice and savory herbs. Heat from the alcohol can be felt on the palate. Tannins are granular in texture. While the fruit seems fresher than the nose implies, acidity feels somewhat shrill and