Yalumba 2016 Hand Picked Distinguished Sites Shiraz-Viognier (Eden Valley)

This relatively big-boned Eden Valley Shiraz, this may taut the fact it's cofermented with Viognier, but it only sees 2% of the variety. Nevertheless, even a smidgeon of Viognier seems to lift an often heavy grape like Shiraz into slightly brighter territory. This version opens with red-cherry aromas along with dried herbs, Christmas spices and a mealy oak character. In the mouth, tannins grip and dry the tongue, but not enough to push out the plush fruit. Savory, herbal flavors linger on the finish. Christina Pickard