Faber Vineyards Reserve Shiraz 2005

Swan Valley, Western Australia. Shiraz. 14%. Cork. Approx $A55.

I was curious about this, it's beautifully packaged (heavy bottle and topped with wax) and it's from the Swan Valley which is the closest wine producing region to my home (within 30km), and most importantly, it hails from Faber, which some regard as the best small Swan Valley vineyard.

Despite having an attractive looking cork, this was tainted. Sullen and musty to begin, this remained flat, stripped and truncated. Even through the cork taint, there is a hint of its stature and silken proportions, which makes the disappointment greater still.

In theory, I am entitled to seek a replacement bottle. In practice, it's something I rarely bother with. I prefer to move on and be non confrontational, instead seeking solace in the idea that I have ready access to other wine and the fact that more and more or of it is sealed with taint free closures.

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