Colour: Garnet with crimson on rim. Nose: An aromatic veil of black-truffled earthiness meshed with porcini mushroom over a dark chocolate base. Beneath, spiced French oak evident (predominantly cinnamon) - not quite a nuttiness (but if it were to be, most akin to preserved walnut). A transient lift of violet florals quickly superseded by the assertive ascent of a 'just-roasted beef outer-crustiness'! Coonawarra shiraz? But of course. Palate A quilt of berried shiraz fruits and lingering tannins provide a structural palate platform. A recollection of corned beef and aspic jelly flavours, with but a touch of menthol/fresh tobacco abetting small-berried fruits. A Coonawarra line of acidity affords both vivacity and length of palate. French oak there to help!