Tait Border Crossing Shiraz 2018
Aromas of rich blueberry and mocha notes with bitter chocolate pave the way for a decadent mouthful of warm deliciousness – with dark berries and bitter chocolate, all tie together with suave bright, sweet tannins and add wonderful length to this memorable finish. Textbook McLaren Vale Shiraz!
91 points Wine Advocate February 2021:
“Not short on intensity or flavor, Tait’s 2018 The Border Crossing Shiraz reprises the big, high-octane style that made this Barossa winery’s reputation. Blueberries, cherries and vanilla appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is remarkably ripe and supple and glides easily into a remarkably lithe, balanced finish. It should drink well for at least another 4–5 years.”
The grapes were picked when physiologically ripe to obtain peak ripeness in terms of sugar and flavor. McLaren vale is approximately 2 hours from the Barossa Valley. Therefore, the grapes were machine picked in the early hours of the morning when it was coolest, to ensure the freshness of the fruit when they arrived at the winery. The grapes were de-stemmed into 5 ton open fermenters where the pH is adjusted. Fermentation took place over 7 days at a temperature of approximately 75 degrees F, using a cultured yeast specific for high alcohol wines. A combination of plunging and pumping over took place 3 times a day to ensure maximum, color and flavor. The wine was then pressed off, using a traditional basket press. Maturation occurred in barrels for 18 months in a combination of 2 year old French and American oak before being bottled. The wines are bottled un-fined and un-filtered.
