February 12, 2019 - I opend this bottle 30 min. ago.
The filling was good, neck level.
Smell: it was a bit acidic, i smelled strange things, not unpleasant though: first i smell cranberry's, forestfruits, and soft roses, very dominant. Then for some reason strawberry milkshake and a hint of leather, it finishes with dusty tannins. Its very soft.
But still, it has something odd in the nose, some alcohol and close to vingar, but not quite, hard to explain...
It is still drinkable but if you have it, you should drink it now, i dont think its gonna last very long.
(Im sorry for my horrible english)
October 29, 2017 - Lost track of this one bottle. Purchased it often back in the day. I decided to open it tonight by myself since I didn’t have high hopes for it after 25 years. It’s actually held on quite well with some fruit left and a hint of leather. It was a bit dusty on the nose when first opened, but it blew off after a short time in the glass. Tremendous balance, even though it is over the hill now. I don’t regret letting hang out this long, I’m thoroughly enjoying the experience.
November 13, 2014 - Excellent fill level. Fading garnet color in glass with obvious bricking. Nice bouquet. Good fruit on palate-very robust and Syrah like. Alcohol (14%) does not intrude. Fading but not disjointed. Dusty tannins. No Shiraz sweetness. Probably 5 years past peak but making old bones. Some sludge at bottom of bottle. Drink up!
May 18, 2014 - Properly stored, this wine was smooth as silk, moderate fruit and alcohol (unlike fruit bomb shirazes) and in perfect balance. Subtle complexity. Could last a few more years.
December 26, 2011 - Wow. Tons of fresh medium toned (mclaren vale) shiraz fruit favors. Wine was refreshing and nimble on its feet. Tannins are absent. Mouth feel is juicy and somewhat thin.. Paired really well with a margherita pizza. Drink within 3-5 years.
January 23, 2010 - Lost most of its fruit. Lack luster.
November 5, 2009 - Dark, medium-full bodied, big full fruit flavors - black cherry, blackberry, hint of spice and anise, slight leather and earthiness revealing its age on a moderate tannin finish.
February 25, 2008 - Not really trying to weigh in on the whole Aussies do or don't age thing -- I don't have enough experience with older ones -- but boy was this good. On the nose, there is still some primary fruit -- plums, black cherries -- but it has also picked up secondary characteristics of soft campfire smoke, leather, and earth. The tannins are still forward but not overwhelming, and there is a sweet but not cloying finish. I think this could go several more years, and potentially get better.
November 22, 2007 - Mature mahogony red, burnt rubber, tomato & sweet cassis nose. Loads of flavour & complexity across mid palate. 1 of 2 wines of the evening
February 11, 2006 - Very nice wine. The fruit's still going very strong, but the wine is beginning to exhibit some nice secondary characteristics. Beautiful blue and dark berries, just a touch of spice, some nice structure - really wonderfully enjoyable!