Tait: The Ball Buster 2005

I bought a bottle of this Aussie shiraz blend on the recommendation of a friend. Wow! He was right. I have been drinking it over the past few months and it’s getting better and better. This is not a sissy wine. Lots of alcohol balanced by a ton of fruit and licorice and a hint of sweetness (maybe that is a touch of oak) that is not cloying at all. There is a bit of tannin and acid for structure, but the wine is so well balanced that it goes down a bit too well. It is incredibly rich, but because of its balance it is a pleasure to drink, and drink and drink. I am paying for that this morning however.

I realize that I am babbling, but this is the kind of wine that will put a spring in your step and a smile on your face. I have tasted a lot of wine over the years and much has been forgettable. Not this one. Oh, I wouldn’t call it a great wine; it doesn’t have the complexity and aging possibilities to be great. On a warm night, sitting outside with good friends, eating grilled pork chops (brined, of course), Caesar salad and molten chocolate cake? Perfect. And for $16 it is a steal.

2 Replies to “Tait: The Ball Buster 2005”

  1. I’ve had it once and I believe it is priced far below market value. Where did you purchase it? (I have not seen it stocked in any of my local wine stores).

  2. You are, of course, completely correct about its price. Wonderful stuff, and you can’t beat the name. My source was The Wine Library, but they are completely sold out. I am in a bit of a panic; I need several cases for my winter hibernation.  My suggestion is to check the corners of any wine store you happen to be in; you never know what you may find!

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