Very deep purple-black in color, the 2008 Distinction Shiraz reveals evolving creme de cassis, prune and blueberry preserve notes with an undercurrent of nuts, coffee and black olives plus whiffs of loam, tobacco and leather. Full bodied with a decent concentration of mature, dried berry notes, the structure stands out with a firm level of chewy tannins and very crisp acidity, finishing long and just a little dry. Clearly Tscharke made the very best of a difficult vintage with this wine. It’s ready to drink now and should continue to keep to 2016+. Importer: Martin Scott Wines, www.martinscottwines.com