Tait is a classic small family winery, dedicated to producing traditional handmade wines from old-vine Barossa fruit.  Winemaker Bruno Tait, and his brother Michael are fulfilling the dream of their father Giovanni Tait who emigrated to Australia from Italy in 1957. (Interestingly the surname Tait is Scottish: Giovanni's ancestors had moved from Scotland to Italy many generations ago). The Taits are modest, hardworking people who produce wines that are always excellent value.

Winemaking is an intriguing combination of the ancient (a traditional basket press and open top fermenters) and the modern (computerized temperature monitors designed by techno whiz Bruno). The wines have classic Barossa richness and concentration, but with surprising freshness and balancing acidity. Tait Ball Buster 2011 is once again a classic expression of the Tait family's style. Rich and full yet surprisingly fresh, it is a lovely example of the balanced, unadulterated style that many much more glamorous Barossa producers now extravagantly espouse. The fact that Bruno has been quietly doing it all along makes drinking this all  the more rewarding - especially at the price! 

The Ball Buster has all of the intensity that such a name implies, but it is easygoing and generous at the same time: a perfect expression of soft-spoken Bruno's personality.