‘Talus’ refers to the practice of terracing steep vineyard hillsides in preparation for planting, though whether or notthis wine actually comes from such steep slopes isn’t clear from the back label. What you do get is a mid-ruby coloured wine that is just turning to brick. There are super-ripe berry fruits – loganberries, blackberries – on the nose and cool, peppery, fruit flavours on the palate. It has a creamy texture and the finish is quite long with some oak and well integrated acidity. This is mature wine for drinking over the next year. It’s about as cheap as Zinfandel gets and, whilst not a blockbuster example, would make an ideal introduction to the variety. Thresher, Bottoms Up, 5.99.
