2008 Meshach

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2008 Shiraz Meshach shows off a very spicy nose redolent of sandalwood, black olives and dried berries with fruit cake, black licorice and potpourri scents. Full-bodied, it is rich and very spicy with some oak poking through, a crisp acid line and medium-firm, velvety tannins to frame the long finish. It is approachable now but will drink to 2024+. Meshach is the flagship wine named after Grant's grandfather. -I was looking for a name that had something to do with longevity,- says Grant. -My grandfather lived for 99 years and 9 months.- The wine predominately comes from Filsell vineyard's old vines that were planted in the 1920s. Made to last 20-plus years, it sees 20-22 months of oak and is released with five years of age. Originally aged in American oak, Grant found it too sweet, so he changed to a 20% French oak and 80% American oak regime in 1998. The 1988 was the first vintage and in 2007 none was made. Importer: Wilson Daniels Ltd., St. Helena, CA; www.wilsondaniels.com