The 2009 Tussock Jumper Barossa Shiraz is the Australian entry for Tussock Jumper’s collection of 13 wines from around the world. This Shiraz is sourced from the Barossa Valley (a premier Shiraz wine area) in South Australia, the Barossa Valley is to Shiraz, what Napa Valley is to Cabernet Sauvignon. Which winery produced the wine and the details of the productions methods are not disclosed. The alcohol content is 14.5%.
The color is a dark, but quite opaque raspberry jelly red. The nose is dark berries, menthol, herbal tea and mocha coffee. It tastes of extracted blackberry mixed with blueberry jam, followed by bitter dark chocolate and a touch of sweet tea. The mid palate adds curry spice and a slight slap of oaky vanilla. In the past, Barossa Valley Shiraz tended to be big, unapologetically over the top wines, but the Tussock Jumper is nicely balanced, this is no fruit bomb. The tannins are firm and the acidity is balanced, this Shiraz is as proud of its structure as it is of its flavor.
The Tussock Jumper Barossa Shiraz is a lot of wine for $9.99. This Shiraz will pair well with steaks, roasts and BBQ and drinks real well on its own.
