The 2008 Talisman states on my information sheet that it is a Bordeaux blend, but whether it’s the terroir or not, it seems to have something else going on. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it begins quite reductively with some rubber and tar aromas over-shadowing the fruit. With a fair bit of swirling this gives way to aromas of smoky bacon fat, blackberry, black cherry and anise. Medium-full bodied, crisp and with a medium level of rounded tannins, there’s a good amount of flesh in the mouth and a long finish. If I had to guess, I’d say there was some Syrah in there, though it’s not mentioned in the text. Drink it now to 2016. Importer: South Pacific Wines, New York, NY; tel. (646) 206 5083