You might have heard that Jackson-Triggs Okanagan has won quite a few awards the world over for their shiraz, and now J.T. Niagara has produced something of a stellar shiraz themselves. The first time I tried this wine it had just been bottled and the nose was quite disappointing but the tastes were showing through wonderfully; I figured the nose would follow in due time … and it did. This hot little number has opened to reveal blackberry, cassis, dark chocolate and white pepper – and I am sure there’s more to come. In the mouth is where this wine really shines with a multitude of flavours. Blackberry, cassis and white pepper follow from the nose, hints of cinnamon and vanilla from the barrel ageing and black cherry, cocoa and some sweet oak notes currently round it off – there’s also just the right amount of spiciness that you’d expect from a good shiraz. I can see this wine opening up even more over the next few years … so buy a few bottles and lay some down for a couple of years – watch the nose and taste meld harmoniously together. Delicious now, better later … it’s your choice.