Massena "Howling Dog" Petite Sirah, Barossa Valley 2005

Opaque purple.

Gamey, sweaty, medicinal, salty aromatics - very deep - slightly disgusting. Sweeter black fruit character with air.

Sweet, creamy palate impression, with nice breadth in the mouth. Structure is quite mild, particularly for Petite. Deep fig/blackberry flavor that competes with game/salt/sweat flavors of Brett/old barrels.

This may need some serious aeration. Opened yesterday.

Day 3 - I double-decanted this after tasting it above. Animal character now in the background, with creamy blueberry/blackberry and a hint of citrus on the nose. Similar in the mouth, with an unexpected hint of oxidation to boot. Very round, but finishes short. Not clear that there will be any way to get around the beastiness without killing the wine.


$45