Appearance: Deep Burgundy with bright highlights

Nose: Tobacco, Leather, Mulberries

Palate: Berry (Blackberry, Black Current), Strawberry Cream, mild Tannins

Closure: Stelvin

The Full Moon Shiraz is made by a small vineyard located around the central Pokolbin hub called Thalgara. I discovered Thalgara wines during my formative wine years and was immediately taken by the approachability of the wines produced by the wine maker Steve Lamb.

In terms of Thalgra's range the full moon Shiraz falls in the middle of their range, this is not to say it is in any way less of an experience than the vineyards Premier Show Reserve wines. Indeed quite the contrary, as this wine presents its own character rather than mimic those of its more prestigious companions.

This Wine is representative of the Hunter Valley Shiraz, that is it contains with in it all the characteristics that make up what the purist calls a 'Hunter Red', the tobacco, the saddle leather, the pepper. Yet it does so in such balance and moderation that the wine is very much enjoyable on its own as it is paired with food and will keep you quite happy to the last glass in the bottle.

Whilst the wine presents in such an easy drinking style, it still has potential for cellaring for a few years.

(This wine was purchased by the reviewer and the opinions here are my own)