- McLaren Vale, SA - $17-$25
- Screwcap
- 14.5%alc
With a string of wines that have transcended trying vintages (2005-90pts, 2006-88pts, 2007-91pts), Joe Grilli's certainly proven he has a knack for blending sangiovese with shiraz. His 2008 Il Briccone combines 85% shiraz from Primo's Clarendon and McMurtrie Road vineyards with 15% sangiovese, matured in older oak barrels for 14 months.
Youthfully coloured, the 2008 Il Briccone's rather ripe, tarry nose of plum and currant fruits is backed by hints of dark chocolate oak and tobacco. Barely medium in weight, its dark and savoury palate reveals cherry and tobacco flavours with just a touch of ultra-ripe, currant-like fruit which denies it a little length and vibrancy, however, it finishes quite aptly with fair if not astounding length, and a simple yet approachable structure underscored by a dry herbal thread.
O The 2008 isn't my pick of Primo's recent Il Briccone wines, but it's true to the Grilli mission statement in that it remains perfectly suited to Mediterranean cuisine. Drink to 2013.
88 points
Really, really disappointing wine. No idea what happened here...
ReplyDeleteYeah, I must admit to being somewhat disappointed with this as well Jeremy, particularly given the quality of the 2007 release, which I must've smashed down half a dozen bottles of in the last 12 months already!
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Chris P