2010 -Tait Barossa Valley "The Ball Buster"

Sometimes when you are browsing in the store you happen upon something because the clever packaging catches your eye. This is what happened to me just the other day. As I checked out the various vinos that were on "sale", or "last call" or "discontinued", the name of this one really stood out, "The Ball Buster".  I know, I know, really?  I had to pick up the bottle and read what this was all about. So here is what the wine maker says, "I don't know what aromas or flavors you find when you try this wine - wine appreciation is so subjective and often too pretentious for my liking. I make my wines the way I like them- big thick, juicy and deep in color. I wanted to name this wine "Michelle's Block" after my wife, but that conjures up visions of a soft and elegant sort or wine, and trust me mates, this little beauty is nothing like that. She's broad shouldered, built like a stallion and she packs an intensity of flavor - like only the Barossa can deliver. She is what I call  "The Ball Buster" mate...and so is this wine!"

After reading that, and smiling in the aisle of the store, how could you NOT buy a bottle. I chuckled all the way to the check out, where the clerk said, "Now that's and interesting name for a wine!"

 

So it sat for a while in the wine rack, then last night we were going to have some deep dish pizza. One of my all time favorites sent direct from Chicago. One of the indulgences Big Daddy and I enjoy from time to time, when he decides the kitchen is closed for that night. He yelled that dinner was ready so I went and opened the "Ball Buster". Not knowing what to expect, I had another bottle selected, just in case. As I poured the wine into the glass, the deep, deep black purple color almost seems like it will stain the glass! Intense aromas of black current, plums, cherry, and chocolate. Rich but lively, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry-cola flavors and notes of allspice and star anise. Sweet and silky on a finish that keeps on with impressive tenacity and spiciness. Long on the finish.

It was a really GREAT wine, especially for the price! Big Daddy even chimed in with what he was tasting and that he liked it! Interesting because Big Daddy does like his vodka tonic you know.

 

After we polished off the bottle I decided to check out just what this "Ball Buster" was all about. Get this, the rating for this vino is as high as 91! Now it's a blend, and it's bold.  Here is the low down:    

Blended of 77% Shiraz, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot.

 

So get yourself some of this juice!  If you can't locate it locally, please send me an e-mail or message me on the blog. Because I found this for just $7.99 a bottle!  That's right, just $7.99 a bottle!  I went back and bought more to have on hand! To say this MADE THE PIG JUMP OVER THE MOON is an understatement!

 

Let me know what you think.