Wine of the Week: Tait The Ball Buster Barossa Valley 2005 (Aus) $17

The Barossa Valley serves up another well muscled red wine, with plenty of vim and vigor to keep up with hearty meat dishes, yet refined and sophisticated enough to offer as an apéritif with light hors d'oeuvres - what is it you ask? The Australian boutique winery, Tait's Wines, has produced the Ball Buster Barossa Valley 2005 - a unique blend of 80% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot to mellow the muscle. This is a full-bodied red with scores of dark jammy fruit, mainly blackberry, black cherry and some plum flavor to round out the palate. There are also notable nuances of vanilla and mocha to sip and savor. This red is a heavy hitter, the Ball Buster packs a whopping 15.8% alcohol and is sturdy enough to handle whatever a summer griller can through off the grill!