Mayer Big Betty Shiraz 2005 – Recommended

This is good stuff. I always find it interesting to read scribes that claim the Yarra Valley is famed for the quality of its shiraz yet we rarely cross paths with decent examples in the small producer space (Warranmate being a recent exception). Medium blood red with some lightening at the rim. Good lift on the nose; pepper (mild), cherry and quite ripe cherries. Fresh and lively. More pepper in the palate along with riper than expected red berries and cherry. To be honest perhaps a smidgeon too ripe (14.2% on the ABV meter) as the wine finishes a touch sweet and thick but in reality I’m being too critical. It’s a good cool – medium climate style that offers a bit more simple fruit stuffing than the classics of the genre (say Craiglee or Knight Granite Hills) and should work well for those looking for a much needed alternative to the SA ball-buster.