Tasheli Patkara Cabernet Shiraz
In 2005, the Erdem Yılmaze and his wife were lured by friends to the Çömelek village near Mersin on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. Enchanted by the quality of the local grapes and lingering evidence, in the form of ancient grape processing areas carved into the rocks and grape and goblet motif reliefs on ancient, nearby tombs, they took up the challenge to stay and make wine here. In 2010, with many trials and learning experiences behind them, they officially established Tasheli Şarap.
Since then, they’ve done a lot of work to bring Turkey’s attention to the local Patkara grape. Tasheli features it in varietal red and rosé wines as well as in several red blends like this Patkara, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Shiraz blend.
Tasheli Patkara Cabernet Shiraz, 2019
In the glass it showed an intense ruby with a thin, purple rim. So much going on in the nose here! Bold, ripe black fruits ready to drop from their bushes married with cinnamon, ras al hanut, dried rose petals, and dried blueberries.
Medium-bodied with medium acidity but the high alcohol (14%) threw off the balance for me. I thought this felt a bit hot. The palate presented similar flavors as those sensed on the nose but with significantly less intensity. Soft, low tannins wrapped flavors of fresh black mulberry and black raspberry around an earthy core with highlights of sassafras and spice.
I enjoyed this with an oxtail pho that really pulled out the spices I’d got on the nose.