Henry’s Drive Vignerons 2008 Parson’s Flat Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon (Padthaway)

Country: Australia / Parson’s Flat
Variety: Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon South Australia
Winery: Henry’s Drive Vignerons / Padthaway

The blend in this torrid vintage is 68% Shiraz, 32% Cabernet, which somehow manages to avoid any sense of baked or raisined fruit. There’s a slightly medicinal, eucalyptus note, common in wines from this big gumtree region, but also red currant and cherry fruit, a creamy, supple texture and a long finish dusted with cocoa powder. Drink now–2020.