Borsao Zarihs 2015

Produced with Australian clones of Syrah (and hence the name, Shiraz spelled backward) planted in 2002, the 2015 Zarihs was cropped from a very warm and early ripening year. It was produced in a sort of Australian way, maturing only 40% of the wine in new American oak barrels for 12 months. It feels creamy and less ripe and balsamic than the Tres Picos I tasted next to it. It isn't very varietal, as the ripeness and generous oak seem to take over the overall character of the wine. It's juicy, a little heady and concentrated and in need of powerful food. 96,000 bottles produced. - Luis Gutiérrez. 

This has nice freshness, energy and a healthy dose of moderately dry tannins on the palate, nicely complimented by the meaty and smoky notes. Drink or hold.