Tasting - James Goddard Shiraz

Name: James Goddard Shiraz
Variety of Grape(s): Shiraz
Country of Origin: Australia
Region of Origin: Barossa
Vintage Year: 2018
Price: $9.99

My buddy Nate found this wine on sale from $23.99 to only $9.99 and told me it was amazing. He let me come over and taste it for my second weekly tasting, and I enjoyed it enough to grab a bottle for myself to keep. The 7 years of aging significantly mellowed out the tannins and harshness, and it was a wonderfully balanced bottle I thoroughly enjoyed.

Wine Critic Review: Tommy Yakas on Vivino.com

"Black pepper and blackberry with notes of oak and a bit of mint. Unfiltered and a nice earthy texture as a result. Really solid value."

The nose wasn't too complex, and I could pinpoint a couple of specific flavors clearly. I could immediately smell cranberry and pepper, and the tannins came through after that. The aroma lingered with some nice vanilla as well.

I found this wine to be perfectly balanced. The tannins were there, yet light, there was a nice fruitiness that was sweet to balance out the tartness of the cranberry flavors. The black pepper was still strong, and there was a nice smokiness that lingered. It was a bit hot and a little heavy, which I think would go really well with a nice steak and mashed potatoes.