TN: MyattsField Joseph Myatt Reserve 2008

[Waiters Friend]

Myattsfield, in the Perth Hills, make a reserve red in most, but not all, years. The composition in 2008 was Cabernet (57% Bickley Valley) and Shiraz (43%, Carmel Valley). So, all Perth Hills fruit. 12 months in new French oak (barriques and hogsheads).

I've had a couple of good experiences recently with that typically Australian Cabernet Shiraz blend, which prompted me to dig into the cellar for this one. I also tasted it a couple of months ago as part of a Cabernet Shiraz tasting at the winery (with non-Myattsfield wines), and was impressed.

Purple red in colour. Full nose of dark plums, blackberry, cocoa powder, and dollops of sweet vanillan oak. There's a bit of clove or cinnamon as well.

The front and middle palate are full and rich, with many of the aromas featuring and dancing across the tongue as well. There's milk chocolate, developed berry characters and still fresh plums flooding the middle palate, while grippy tannins and supporting acid offer a satisfying balance. All of this leads to a medium/full finish.

I'm not sure this will improve on what is already a very good wine. I still have a couple of bottles, so we will see what the next one looks like.

Cheers
Allan