Dom. Mandeville Shiraz 2008, VdP d'Oc

Have been searching for a wine with the same 'vintage' as my nephew to celebrate his birthday.  Challenge came because family prefer reds and the birth year in question was 2008!

Found nothing suitable in the usual wine shops in my district, so pushed my luck in this department store.  To my surprise, I was spoilt for choice with selections from Australia, Chile, South Africa, Argentina, France, Spain and Italy.  There was even an Australian rose from 2009!

Got this in the end:  Very deep ruby with a purple rim.  Good nose of plummy black fruits, dark chocolate and a hint of wood.  Dry with balanced acidity, ripe juicy fruit and supple tannin.  A warm and sunny southern French red with restraint alcohol and a decent finish.  This bottle was crying 'dry me now!' and was finished in no time.

The best part was the price: only $68 from the ubiquitous M&S - tasted more like a wine two to three times its price.  Perfect for parties!