Elderton Ode To Lorraine 2008, Barossa Valley, Australia

I loved this blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Shiraz and 8% Merlot, with maturation taking place in 80% French oak and 20% American Oak.. On the nose this wine opened up with ripe plums, black fruit, cassis, mint, vanilla and toasty oak. The palate was rich, smooth and well structured with good acidity and silky tannins. Medium to full body and great length. This blend finished long smooth, savoury and comforting. I first tasted this 2008 Ode to Lorraine last January, it was very enjoyable then, drinking beautifully right now and will only get better over the next 4-5 years. When done right, this is the kind of wine you expect from Barossa Valley. A big juice red (but not jammy), with high alcohol (14.5%) with rich and complex structure. My only negative comment, what is with the heavy bottle?  This wine is very good and can stand on its own without a hefty bottle. In this age of concern for the environment and our expanding carbon foot print, and the cost of moving heavy bottles around the world we should use regular bottles and pass on the savings to the customer, which may help sell more wine.
I have been purchasing Ode To Lorraine for 3 or 4 years now and reviewed their 2006 vintage on my blog on June 5, 2011. This wine was originally released December 11, 2010, it will be re-released, Saturday October 15, 2011. Strongly recommended.

This wine was purchased December 11, 2010 LCBO New Release at $39.95.