Fairview, Swartland (South Africa) Shiraz 2009

This is the most boldly oaked of the five high-end Shiraz/Syrah current releases from Charles Back, and though the wood seems a bit excessive when the wine is first uncorked (dominating the nose and tightening the finish), it quickly settles down and ends up seeming quite well balanced with the intense, dark berry fruit notes. Accent notes of toast and woodsmoke end of making the wood quite welcome when the wine has aired adequately.