March 24, 2024 - Pitch dark and still very young-looking in the glass. nose somewhat restrained, but plums and a lavender poured out after a good swirl. In the palate this is dense, with youthful acidity, black pepper, plums, bramble, earthy notes - still fresh and young, with medium tannins and a long ending with oak in it.
High-quality Australian Shiraz for sure - I had high expectations and this bottle met them all. 2002 is clearly a great vintage for Australia - and I am happy I have 5 more bottles of this beauty. Great now, will continue to develop for a while IMO and while last at least another decade at peak.
December 2, 2023 - Fruity, sweet well balanced and long finish. Drinking very well
November 13, 2020 - Not bad, but not really my style. Big, jammy, sweet. Nose has baked spiced cherries, chocolate, and anise. Palate has kirsch, jammy plums, dark chocolate, and soft black licorice.
November 19, 2018 - Still pleasurable and round viscous red cherry fruit with spice notes , chocolate. I agree with darth taster below. drink up now. The alcohol is showing through and with time will become even more pronounced as primary fruit dissipates. Long decant is fine as better in subsequent days under argon storage.
March 24, 2017 - Strong at 15. Simple decant. Give it 30+ minutes and it will be lovely. Paired nicely w/burgers and beef chili.
November 22, 2016 - A bit like Robitussin - hoping subsequent bottles are better
October 1, 2016 - During a Shiraz tasting dinner with friends. Tasted blind. Nose of dark fruit, berry, chocolate. Enters the palate rich, sweet and very full bodied. A big bruiser from Australia for sure. Too much for my taste. Alcohol 15.5% says it all.
August 31, 2016 - Wednesday Wine Party Free & Easy (Chateau Davyd): Tasted blind.
Appearance is opaque deep blackish red colour. Thick legs.
Nose is clean, pronounced intensity, with aromas of dark milky chocolate, coconut, black cassis, licorice, sweet concentrated candy, black fruits. Developed.
On the palate, off-dry!, medium+ acidity, high alcohol (15.5%), smooth fine medium+ tannins, full body. Pronounced flavour intensity, with flavours of dark milky chocolate, mocha, silky yet concentrated sweet black cherries, blackberries, black cassis, licorice. Medium+ finish.
Very good quality. Rich and silky drink, too easy to drink for a 15.5% alc! Drink up. I think exclusive Old World drinkers would vomit this wine up though, if you force it down their throats.
September 30, 2014 - Fully mature. Mellow and delicious.
May 22, 2014 - Powerful nose of black fruits and dark chocolate. Thick and silky with rich fruit. Still some tannin. Big, but not too big.