Absolutely delicious. One of the better vintages of this wine from the early 2000s. No issues with the cork (which can be common this wine from this era). Dark red fruits, spice, leather and tobacco, and a delicious syrupy-ness. So good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
NNT wine club, June 2023: Maturation comparison (Brisbane): A distinctive nose of cloves that I don't remember from The Signature. Not unpleasant but something about this bottle just didn't seem quite right. Alcohol seemed a bit hot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Absolutely gorgeous expression of Barossa Cabernet and Syrah. Loads of dark fruit, cigar wrapper, black pepper, with still prominent tannins and a nice acid snap at the end. This was a real crowd pleaser and I’m sad it was my last bottle.
It’s still a deep purple with color to the rim and felt like it could last another 5-10 years before turning
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Final bottle. Cork fell apart while removing. Still holding good colour with black fruits. Seemed a little muted on the nose & based on this bottle perhaps starting to decline.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cork disintegrated - so has to strain into decanter. Really ended up like this style. Wasn’t overbearing. 02 was a good vintage. Lots of secondaries on the nose - cigar, tobacco but still some primary fruits Drinking well now but could keep going. Have it with a roast lamb or beef.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wasn’t sure if I’d like this or if it was over the hill. Neither was a concern. Near peak drinking now. Classic Aussie combo of Shiraz and Cab Sav. Not too in your face Barossa. Great vintage. Acidity and fruit. Though lows of sediment now. Under cork.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
notes after 3 hours bottle breathing Magnificent wine! Nose of mostly secondary: tobacco, graphite, eucalyptus , smoked ham, then hints of primary blackberry, dark chocolate but exploding with flavor with more airing time.... Great Palate weight/length/fruit tannin this is the classic oz blend... ready now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted 2 hours. Dark garnet. This was firing on all cylinders - cassis, sandalwood and cigar bouquet. Same on palate with great length and near perfect balance.
Shame this was my last but this has been a wonderful wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Coravin'd in Chicago, Bottles purchased several years ago at auction
Dark garnet/purple, no separation, cloudy.Nose of smoke, sandalwood, menthol and oak, Palate of red and dark berries, dark cherry jam, spice, licorice. Sweet/blackberry liqueur, charcoal through the mid palate. Rounded texture, tannins still present. Medium finish
Interesting wine, unique blend. In a good spot, I doubt it gets any better from here. Would drink over next 3-5 years
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
drank over 2 days...vacuum pumped 1/2 of the bottle in a 375 overnight in fridge. first night...pretty disjointed and off....never really came together. light strawberries, sour cherries, tannins, tar. 2nd night much more integrated with plum, blueberries, tannins in check.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Opened this a week prior during an Amigne tasting and surprisingly we never got to it. So it went into the fridge, stoppered, for one week.
Dark garnet, some bricking. Bouquet of cassis, plum and sandalwood with some hints of oak. Big bodied, round entry. Driving acidity swells and pairs with sweet cherry mid-palate, inflected with some spiced oak notes and ultrafine tannins. Very long final with just a touch of heat.
Apart from the hint of heat on the finish this was drinking very nicely. I was all the more impressed considering it had been in a fridge for a week. As an early backer of eto (www.etowine.com) I would have loved to have that on hand when putting this in the fridge. Still, I think it's a testament to the complexity of the old vines and the winemaking skill that this wine is still showing so well 16 years on from harvest. Sad I only have one more of these.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Doing fine. Don't rmember much, but lots of stuffing there, in balance and good flavor. Nothing stood out and just went down easy. If well stored this will be fine for a while, but don't see any paths to improvement.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted 1.5 hours. Dark garnet with just a hint of clearing at rim. Cassis and sandalwood bouquet. Same on palate although tonight I felt this missed a step from prior bottles and was ever so slightly prickly. Could have been the pairing (lamb biryani) which was not ideal but will have to pay more attention to food pairing (would suggest bbq filet) in the future and ensure the wine starts at cellar temperature.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Took about an hour for this to open up after a decant and pretty rigorous stir. Started out a bit tight / thin, with a hint of green. Gained both weight and lushness with time in the glass.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Paired with rack of lamb, roasted brussel sprouts with french country blend of spices, and roasted potatoes with rosemary. Drank as a vertical with 2003 and 2004. Each wine paired well with the food. The 2002 compared to the others had more dried fruit on the palate (dried white raisins with a slight hint of fig), dry and dusty mouth feel. The 2003 had more ripe fruit on the palate with barnyard mouth feel on the palate, and the 2004 was more similar to the 2002, but not as dusty/dry. Overall everyone ranked the wines 2002 best, then the 2004, with the 2003 behind.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Drank over 2 nights - strak first night, lamb roast second night. Quite ho him. Sweet new oak and little in the way of tannins. Lots of fruit but structure not there.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
What a pleasant surprise. Popped and poured. Quite expressive on the nose from the get-go. Smooth and balanced on the palate, with the cabernet and the shiraz each coming to the fore at times. Lingering finish where the generally well-integrated oak does peak out. I have had several bottles of this, and this was far and away the best showing. Bottles of the previous vintage have been a disappointment 93-94
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wow, I take back whatever I said in past years about this wine. And double drat that this is my last bottle. Whatever rough patches it went through in recent years, this evening it was drinking magnificently! Smooth, long, savory, balanced, nuanced, focused, wow, wow, wow.
I didn't believe and I wasn't patient enough. Curse me curse me curse me!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark red purple color. I noticed a small amount of VA upon opening but dissipated after a few minutes. Still has some dark fruits under the coffee and dark cocoa flavors. I would not hold on much longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are slow. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like prune. It tastes like prune and bark. The body is full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
An enjoyable blend that is very well-integrated at this point. Not going to blow your mind, but it is a delicious, fun, and fairly interesting wine. Drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cotat, Myriad, Yalumba, Nicora, Keplinger (GHT): Beautiful wine. Chris opted for pnp as he heard this doesn't hold up at this point. It was so lovely on opening I thought that odd, but indeed it lasted about a half hour before starting to decline. I never got to revisit it later than that to see how it rebounded. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, and charcoal. Nice texture. This is not a monster shiraz in any way at this point. Showing layered complexity. Black currants with some spice and some woodiness. Nice balance.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped and poured. Dark garnet with some bricking at rim.
This could be packaged in a test tube and sold as essence of cassis. Its one of the most intense examples of a cassis bouquet I can remember. Alongside there are some other notes of interest - mushrooms, forest floor and bacon. Palate is superbly rich with cassis and spice, wonderfully balancing acidity and fine fine tannins on a long final.
Very fine showing tonight and I would wager these still have a long way to go.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose with fruit immediately, needs to open over a 30 minute window. Nose reminiscent of baked fruit pie. Alluvial spice initially giving way to balanced tannins and alcohol.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
An interesting mix between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (called Shiraz in Oz) that actually tastes a bit like both! This particular bottle was mature and well balanced.
Cedar, earth and fruit on the nose, with smooth tannins and dark fruits, a hint of burnt oak and vanilla on the palate. The 14.5% alcohol was not evident in any way. A little juicy around the edges (I blame the Shiraz) all in all an easy mature drinker.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep purple color. Opened 45 mins prior to dinner and consumed over 2 nights, with little change after about an hour of air. Wonderful blend of cabernet and shiraz fruit; full-bodied and rich without being overdone. Sweet, resolved tannins. Fully mature and should hold for several more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep purple color. Initially funky aroma of barnyard that eventually blew off after about 30 minutes in the glass. It revealed aromas of dark fruits and coffee, beef blood, a hint of mint and toasted oak. Blackberries then mildly spicy in the middle and ends with dark cocoa and intensity of flavors. Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tannins resolved but leaving still quite a bit of alcohol heat. At or around peak but plenty of life left in it I just worry that it will get more unbalanced as it gets older?
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Few more years will allow more integration of subtle tannins and probably resolution of slight Alc heat. However, you can still enjoy it right now. Good QPR.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Plenty of overripe blackberries, black cherries and hints of spice. Tannins are smooth but still a bit chewy. Not nearly as mouthcoating as a few years ago, but still a mouthful. This wine could easily last for another 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cabernet Shiraz Tasting: Raisin, salami/meaty elements, earth and mint. Palate is black fruited, it is approachable and still primary but should soar with more time.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Interesting nose that evolved over about a half an hour. Started with warm notes of blueberry or blackberry pie with nutmeg and spice. On the palate were flavors of tar and leather with warmed blueberry. Finish with spice almost Zin like with balanced alcohol and tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Finally a reasonable bottle of Australian; While it remains overly extracted, sweet, and all the rest, it also has a bit of interest - a slight bit of smokiness, just enough structure, and honest to goodness acid (yes, in an Aussie!)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep dark purple with mature fruit forward of dark berries and a bit of jamminess. Beautifully weighted mouthfeel with balanced alcohol and tannins drinking well now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Thoughts this was past peak. Very strong flavors of mint/eucalyptus coming through, which overpowered the fruit for me. Still good and enjoyable, but not nearly impressive as the prior bottle...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This bottle showed quite well, certainly better than the past bottles of 2001 of this same wine. Decanted and drank from about an hour and a half to 6 hours later. Upon opening and throughout, the nose was quite expressive, showing dark fruits. Deep garnet in color. While certainly full-bodied, this is by no means an Aussie ooze-monster, and even had a sense of elegance. Initially, the Cabernet flavors seemed to dominate, but with time, hints of blue fruit appeared on the palate, and black pepper on the lingering finish. 92-93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
By far the best bottle of this batch since 2009. I bought from two sources, perhaps this was the good one. Berry, fir and eucalyptus on the nose. This had blueberry, cola, chocolate and black pepper flavors that resolved in a peppery, green leaf finish of decent length.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
As has been the problem with the batch of wines, a bit unpleasant on opening, sulfur, sour. After a couple of hours, it opened some to reveal steely blue fruit and saddle leather in the nose. Flavors are lean even after opening, barnyard, leather, blue fruit and drying tannins. I think this batch had a bit of a brett problem which is not unexpected with high alc, residual sugar wines from Down Under during this period of time. Aussie vintners still have not recovered from this hideous time in their history.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
My last bottle, unfortunately. We popped and poured last night, and all three amigos really enjoyed it. A powerful, complex nose with earth and blackfruits, and the palate was concentrated and full-bodied yet had some elegance and class as well; ripe tannins also were present, but calmed down a bit with decanting. The cabernet seemed dominant to me now, and the velvety smooth finish lasted quite a while. At peak now? But I also thought it was still a little youthful, and I wish I had another few bottles left to test this theory (A-/A)!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark fruit and smoky earth are dominating the bouquet and finish. Flavor patterns are very typical of an Australian Shiraz, minus the Cab. I don't think this will age particularly well from here. My first reviews proved too charitable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very ripe and mature although a little angular at first. Black cherry, licorice, char, oak, a little barnyard action, good acidity and mellow tannins. Not a lot of urgency but with air this is interesting and very tasty with a lingering finish. Drink up. I think this will continue to evolve, but not necessarily improve from here.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
(For the record, I don't like giving a numerical rating) The nose of this wine is what I call prickly. Instead of a soft gentle blanket that wafts up, it's got lots of pointy spikes that jump up and down. The first sip, though, is gentler, with gentle spikes at the edges, surrounding a core that is a soft ball of dark fruit and wild herbs. There's a terroir that brings to mind my Bigdaddy's pasture, with the strong scent of wild rosemary hanging in the hot Texas air. This bottle has been open two hours; I'm betting the spikes mellow and soften more as it continues to open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fun wine. Changes quickly in the glass. Starts off with earth and game and then bell pepper dominates the nose. Pepper and currant flavors on the palate with hints of tobacco and mint. Not a fruit bomb at all. Cabernet flavors win out. A little too much oak at times. Got a little sweet and raisiny at the end, almost maderized. Agree with last reviewer that it is time to drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Had a couple bottles since previous notes in 2007, and all have performed great. This bottle was no exception. Mellowed and integrated somewhat, and the syrah now dominates the cab, but still has nice Cabernet currant and tobacco.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pop/pour. Shiraz character dominates the nose, though this is lighter than some with a baby powder perfume lurking in the background sharing space with wood notes. On the palate, the cabernet part of the blend becomes much more apparent, sharing equal time with the shiraz. Much better than last time around, the pieces seem to be coming together. Well balanced, with some bright notes that serve to keep this from being flabby. Probably even better in a couple years, but in the meantime this has really come around.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted 2 hours, served at 15C. Deep purple red. Cassis, cherries, mushroom and oak on the nose. Palate is marked by a rapid attack building quickly across a wide and complex mid-palate of licorice, cherries, black fruits and oak. Tannins are fine and dusty - more prominent than I would have thought and as this was my first of six I'll hold off opening others for a few more years.
The final on this wine just sings - goes on for a minute. Overall, this is a big big red but there is admirable finesse and structure here to accompany the brooding power.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very very nice - is this going to get better? This is standout Aussie juice - exactly what I needed to get me back from the sometimes jaded adventure that is the Napa cab. So much depth to this - the blend of Shiraz and Cabernet works really well. Immediate hit of leather, deep cassis and smooth, refined tannins. Smellled like a concentrated vat of dark friut - we decanted for 2 hours. Unanimously, this wine took our breath away.
I feel like Ive made a new best friend...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I'd agree with joshwoodward on this one, it is a very classy drink with delicate lines, yet a mouthful of red and black berries and creamy toasted oak. The tannins are fully integrated and very smooth. I would have put this up against a Napa effort costing 2-3 times as much and this would have come out ahead without a doubt. And while I felt this lacked some complexity, it made up for it with its balance and purity. Very enjoyable, approx $38, 14,5% abv
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wine Club: Invading the South (Van Buren, OH): Popped and poured. Really beautiful stuff - elegant, balanced, structured and restrained. The mouthfeel is terrific, and a beautiful high-toned acidity keeps it fresh and interesting. I'm not used to Aussie reds outclassing Napa, but this was no contest. Awesome stuff. Yalumba is one of my favorite red wine producers, period.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not a horrible effort, skunky, northern Rhone-like Syrah nose (which I do not like), along with hints of mint and blue fruit overtones. Flavors are also a bit skunky, with blueberry, cinnamon basil and black pepper on the back of the palate. A little unbalanced, as many Shiraz wines of this period were, with the ripeness outstripping the tannin and acidity. Not horrible, just an example of a, thankfully, mostly bygone era of Aussie wine manipulating. I used to love this family owned winery, I guess my tastes have changed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Pop and pour. Nice deep crimson robe. Still very fresh OTN with a plummy anisede note that carries through onto the attack. Settles nicely to a mocha and cream palate flashing some smooth sweet tannins with just a little bite on the medium+ finish. A thin but tasty chocolate veneer. If you're looking for a real Aussie profile look no further. Full-bodied with some decent complexity mingling the cab and shiraz raw materials nicely. A little spice trails along at the end. Will go with the producer on this for now-2012 or so. An excellent Signature.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A beautiful cab nose but syrah through the lengthy finish, this is big and ripe, balanced, complex and because of the focused acidity even good at the table. Well done.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Continues to be an outstanding and shining example of a fine wine from Yalumba. Dark purple and a wonderfully layered combination of burnt oak, leather, blackberry and wet stone. Lingers in the mouth quite long and just tastes so darn good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This is drinking very well right now. Lots of blackberry, and cedar and hints of black licorice on the nose with a whiff of green herbs(maybe Herbs de Provence). Palate is nice with blackberry fruit replays, a really nice acidity that gives it the right amount of punch and lingers on the medium-long fruit finish. After some time in the glass, the acidity becomes slightly disjointed with the rest of the wine which would indicate it is beginning to fall apart. Paired well with Roast Beef.93-94. I can't see how in the world this wine will drink well into 2025, Parker's outer range. Sorry but that's incorrect. Agree with the winemaker and Steinman on 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Chocolate, flint and aniseon the nose. Flavors of dirt (cork???? but I think not), boysenberry, anise. The dirt flavors are a little annoying, sort of reminiscent of dirty dishrag, moderate but somewhat bitter tannins. Could be better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Beautiful and rich. great qpr. Drinking well now with a few more years of similar evolution. Lots of flavour and matches well with the bitterness of char griling.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Usually a reliable, un-Aussie-like producer (provides sub-$50 bottlings with no brett, high VA or overt RS), this bottle was just the opposite. An inch of whispy, white-purple sludge on decanting and obvious secondary fermentation (robe bubbles) indicated a nasty, unstable bottle. Hopefully it is isolated because I have five more annd bottle one was just fine. Feral, barnyard, pooh nose, brett obvious on the palate, also a texture sort of like licking wet animal fur. Nasty. Flavors more or less muted, perhaps deadened, by all the instability. Some green leaf and anise notes. Here's hoping Yalumba has not turned into a Molly or Two Toes. This was either flawed or poorly made as decanting and aerating did not mitigate the hog waste pond living in the bottom of this bottle). Day 2 - less brett, sour and tastless. Still merits 75. Off bottle, I hope. (Editor's note: changing from 75 to flawed)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep purple color. Took a day to open up. Initial impression of raw berries, nice length. A green herbal note was present on day 1 but disappeared on day 2. Some mocha notes with great acid and tight tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
X-Mas Day Wines 2009 (The House): This was a very nice wine, which held it's own against a '96 Harlan tried on the first day. Saved some for X-Mas. The dinner ended up being so rich I pulled a rare action and finished the meal with this instead of the Brunello I orginally pulled. Lots of dark fruits, great aromatics, not terribly complex. You know the deal. Think of the very good Aussie's you've had and there you go. Not over the top at all, but still ripe and rich. Two glasses is about all you need with this stuff.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
decanted for 30 minutes. very elegant wine, well integrated. plum and ripe dark fruit on the nose with a hint of pepper. On the palate , dark fruit followed by toasty spice, which increased in intensity over the next hour. Hint of oak as the finish proceeds. long finish. Perfect right now. No problem with sediment. Combination of cabernet and Shiraz is quite good. A real winner. I have one more bottle to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
This wine is consistently a winner. Very dark in the glass, almost stoic. Big fruit on the nose and palate, with very mild leather and pepper following behind. Very reminiscant of a old world Bordeaux at times. I just get so darned excited every time I drink this gorgeous wine! One of my all time favorites.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
30 minute decant, plenty of sediment so wothwhile. Deep crimson wine demonstrating a rather evolved nose of red fruit, some anise spice and cream. Medium-to-full bodied - very well integrated tannins show off some beautiful oak treatment and the richness of ripe fruit. Good acidity holds it together nicely. The shiraz comes through strongly on the coffee and pepper-spice finish. Drinking at the top of its game now. Excellent
EDIT : 24 hours in decanter and the fruit has faded dramatically, leaving quite a fierce dry mouthful. Don't over-aerate this but great to pop and pour right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice berry, cola and oak nose with a hint of dirt. Nicely chewy, purple berries, hints of wood and chocolate and a good acidity to back it up. Problem - tannins may not be holding up well enough guarantee a longer term age. 2-3 year life.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not my cup of tea anymore but quite pleasant. The nose is stunning with black licorice,cedar, chocolate, pure blackberry scents. More blackberry notes on a low to medium acidic palate. Fleshy and a long sweet finish. 92
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep crimson; black currants, blackberries, cedar, vanilla; ripe berry, plummy, creamy, medium-full body, good grip, firm ripe tannins, lingering finish. Decanted 3 hrs. Slightly harsh berry flavours became creamy and plummy after a few hours. Enough concentration and alcohol to handle the oak well. Good aging potential. Delicious with medium-rare rib steak.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fairly consistent notes as previous bottles. The color on this wine is hauntingly deep and beautiful. Decanted for 60 minutes which released a myriad of intense dark ripe fruit, oak, leather, pencil lead and juicy bits of plug. Tannins are well in check and this wine has integrated beautifully and should for another 4-5 years with ease. I just can't help to say again - great stuff here! Shorter finish than before.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still an extremely tasty and fantastic wine for those who want to enjoy a truly great wine without breaking the bank. This one is just hands down still a favorite.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deep brick in color. The nose has oak, blackcurrent, blueberry, and black licorice. Very smooth on the full bodied palate, good concentration, few tannins, with more blackfruits, oak, pepper, and plums. Nice long finish, with a hint of sweetness at the end.. Still a little youthful, I think, drinking fine now but should improve in the future. A little modern for my tastes, but quite nice (A-).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not as good as the '01 but still a good drinker. Comes on strong with oak and alchol even after decanting for 2 hours. Opened up in the glass and went well with duck.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A very nice wine, but out of balance on the amount of oak in the nose and finish. The alcohol is a bit overpowering, requiring at least a 90 minute decanting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Not rated - only got a chance to taste after 24 hrs in a rather large decanter.
Still an impenetrable dark purple at the core, but starting to fade to plum around the edges.
Nose is obnoxious. Oak, oak, and more oak, it's as though my nose is getting into a fight with a two-by-four. Behind all that oak is a laser beam of plum and black pepper, with a weird dark chocolate / raisin thing going on in the back. A bit of heat is showing up at this point as well.
The mouthfeel on this wine is gorgeous. Simultaneously mouthfilling, slick (glycerin), and tannically quite soft. Blackcurrant and oak dominate the flavour profile, with those chocolate raisins making another appearance. Surprisingly balanced acidity. Layers of black fruit battle with the recurring oak theme on a pretty good 30-second finish.
A winner, probably 92+, but WOW, you'd better like oak if you're going to drink one of these.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for about an hour or so. Nose was of creamy cherries, dark fruit, and oak...not all that complex, but good. Finish was a little short and hot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Uncorked and left in the cellar for a few hours. Went back down into the cellar and was greeted by wonderful, cellar-filling aromatics from this wine...salivated too much to notice the color and poured...amazing nose...toasty cedar, coconut, fruit, and floral scented incense wafted from the glass. Medium to full bodied, this wine seems highly extracted yet has deceiving structure and elegance. Blackberry, boysenberry, plums, vanilla bean plus hints of anise and thai basil on the palate. Notes of expresso were evident as this wine evolved in the glass. Big, smooth tannins still present. Soaring finish. Just a fabulous Aussie, wish I had another in the cellar, would love to see where this is in 2+ years...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fabulous - Dark purple/black, with notes of black fruit, pepper, extreme oak on the nose, very well concentrated, full bodied yet balanced with a silky smooth long finish on the palate, very well done!! (92 Points).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Very berry with a tannic twist. Needs time to relax and integrate more. Probably a 95 point wine in 5 years or more. Very deep and big. Lots of alchohol, maybe it will end up being too hot for its own good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Northwoods Wineapalooza; 9/7/2007-9/9/2007 (Boulder Junction, Wisconsin): No dtl'd notes. Marker for 3 day tasting @ Wineapalooza. Not particularly memorable, in either a favorable or unfavorable way. Should not be poured on an evening with more full-bodied offerings, as it gets lost in the shuffle, finiding the middle ground between young, bold fruit bombs and the more mature bottlings served.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Gorgeous deep ruby red color and an initial nose of tomatoes, light pepper and plum. After an hour of decanting, this wonderfully entertaining wine turned to dark cherries, smoked pipe tobacco, and a trace of tanned leather. On the palate this wine danced around and the tastes intertwined like a well played symphony. There is nothing thin or weak about this wine, and the finish is as smooth as glass. I'm absolutely thrilled with this wine and equally thrilled that I bought half a case. Can't wait to see how this develops in the next 2 years - the closest thing I've had to a perfect wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Drunk in a blind tasting. Immediate impression was a smooth, accessible young Bordeaux wine. Beautiful, smooth texture and finnish, with wonderful characteristic Cab flavors. This is a bargain wine, and tastes far above its price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Deeply colored with sweet fruit, some candied violet and light caramel oak. I find the oak a touch too much in this wine still - maybe it needs more time (decanted for 3 hours). More structure than the COL, with dark berry fruits and thankfully no blueberry syrup.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Well integrated with a nice soft mouthfeel. Requires a bit of time decanting. It was very closed for the first hour or so, but after that she really started to sing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Both of my 2 bottles over the past 3 mos were pretty oaky for my tastes (? American). Spicy black fruit with decent depth but not what I buy Aussies for...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Alluring nose of underbrush, tobacco, tomatoes, berries, and lilacs roared out of the gate and then persisted. The slightly harsh tart-cherry flavor profile is MUCH improved with red meat. Grilled steak deepened, darkened, and softened it. The long candied finish is inconsistent with the rest of the glass. Of the two varietals, the Shiraz supports but stays out of the way of the Cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Blood red in the glass; barely translucent. Aromas of anise and tobacco and leather leap out of the glass. The cabernet flavors dominate the somewhat mellow shiraz characteristics - notes of black fruits and pepper. Cedar and cherry are also present. Soft, fine tannins are integrated nicely at this stage. Medium to full-bodied. A finish that goes on a very long time. This is a soft, pleasant wine which is approachable now and cellarable. Very good value for around $30.
40+5+5+17+18+8=93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I really enjoyed this blend. Deep, rich fruit packaged in a smooth, long wine that doesn't get jammy or stewy in the least. Nor is it angular or unevolved. The Shiraz and the Cab are both apparent and complementary, the Shiraz adding just enough extra oomph and brightness. Not a lot of acid, but a nice finish and not overdone like some other recent Aussies I've tried. Killer value and my other bottle will rest until a future red meat moderately special occasion in 1 to 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nice blend. Well balanced both cab/shiraz as well as acidity, fruit and alcohol. The tannins are fine and easy. The bottle opened up after an hour or more. I really enjoy the signiture series, glad I have a few remaining.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Agree with other notes that this wine needs some time in the decanter or glass to open up. Anise, cassis, bramble/underbrush on the nose. Palate follows nose. Finish has a touch of menthol. A very nice wine at a nice price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bought a couple bottles at a restaurant for a small dinner party. No formal notes taken but the wine was similar but not quite as expressive as the previous bottle tasted at home with decanting. Excellent wine, excellent value, and it was a hit with the group (who bought a third bottle when the two I ordered were emptied).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
very smooth and integrated. this was a very nice wine and not that big shiraz that i was expecting. a very nice wine and im happy i have another bottle, but wish i had more than one left
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Decanted for two hours, but it didn't really come alive for another hour after we began to pour to the glasses. Glad I decanted. It was fantastic. The cabernet profile really dominates, with cassis and black cherry, with a slight, sweet herbal notes somewhere between tobacco, eucalyptus, and olive. For a brief period, it presented a nice note of milk chocolate on the nose and to the palate. The tannins are ample enough to provide a firm structure, but are are exceptionally fine, and well balanced by the acid and fruit. A really serious wine that performed beyond my expectations. Lives up to high marks by WA and IWC. At ~$36, a very good value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
56/44 CabSauv/Shz dark ruby/purple translucent, red cherry/cassis fruit with toasty vanilla and pepper, slight menthol/eucalyptus streak with warm earth, med-full bodied with moderate complexity, med- acidity with med+ tannins and med finish. Good but not up to RP/WS ratings. Steak, lamb 2G (Horizon, Icon)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
good solid wine. Much closer to a Shiraz than a cabernet. Very clean, polished wine with separated flavors. I think that age will help this wine develope some complexity which it seems to be lacking. If it had some unique characteristic to it, it would merit an even higher score.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Consumed at the Steiner/Traynor house prior to Dyan's birthday party. No serious notes taken as we were whisked away quickly to Katana. But eveyone was mighty impressed with this pop and pour.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
No tasting notes, but I recall this to be a lovely signature. These wines are always so attractive when young, previous vintages seemed to lose a little of their luster after a few years of age, let’s see what happens.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Montreal Offline: MWP End of year (Restaurant Forchetta): Nice deeep ruby red with violet edge. Nose of sweet wood, cedar and chocolate. Great body, balance and finish of fruits and pepper. Nice long finish. Have to get some !!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
A strong nose of black licorice,cedar, chocolate, cassis and plum. More plum and blackberry/currant notes on a lush low acidic palate. Fleshy and a long sweet finish. 93 points
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Tasted weeks ago, quick thoughts: REALLY enjoyed this. Huge fruit flavors, but retained good balance. You can really taste both the shiraz and cabernet. I'm usually unimpressed with these blends, but this one really worked well, highlighting the strengths of both varietals and complementing them. Will certainly improve, but will be hard to resist...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
2/4/2024 - europat55 wrote: 91 Points
Outstanding nose: 92pts.
Surprisingly well integrated Cab-Shiraz blend: 90pts.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/18/2023 - Mr Laroux wrote:
Absolutely delicious. One of the better vintages of this wine from the early 2000s. No issues with the cork (which can be common this wine from this era). Dark red fruits, spice, leather and tobacco, and a delicious syrupy-ness. So good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/10/2023 - colinscellar wrote: 89 Points
NNT wine club, June 2023: Maturation comparison (Brisbane): A distinctive nose of cloves that I don't remember from The Signature. Not unpleasant but something about this bottle just didn't seem quite right. Alcohol seemed a bit hot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/14/2023 - Rebs in Chicago wrote: 93 Points
Absolutely gorgeous expression of Barossa Cabernet and Syrah. Loads of dark fruit, cigar wrapper, black pepper, with still prominent tannins and a nice acid snap at the end. This was a real crowd pleaser and I’m sad it was my last bottle.
It’s still a deep purple with color to the rim and felt like it could last another 5-10 years before turning
2 people found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
5/27/2022 - chrisb2096 wrote:
Final bottle. Cork fell apart while removing. Still holding good colour with black fruits. Seemed a little muted on the nose & based on this bottle perhaps starting to decline.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/19/2021 - carminewine Likes this wine: 93 Points
Opaque deep ruby color, cork dry and broke off. Forest floor, dark fruit nose. Presence of spiced oak, black fruits on palette.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/13/2020 - chadslater Likes this wine: 91 Points
Cork disintegrated - so has to strain into decanter. Really ended up like this style. Wasn’t overbearing. 02 was a good vintage. Lots of secondaries on the nose - cigar, tobacco but still some primary fruits Drinking well now but could keep going. Have it with a roast lamb or beef.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/28/2020 - chadslater Likes this wine: 90 Points
Wasn’t sure if I’d like this or if it was over the hill. Neither was a concern. Near peak drinking now. Classic Aussie combo of Shiraz and Cab Sav. Not too in your face Barossa. Great vintage. Acidity and fruit. Though lows of sediment now. Under cork.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/7/2019 - ShirazTrain wrote: 97 Points
notes after 3 hours bottle breathing
Magnificent wine!
Nose of mostly secondary: tobacco, graphite, eucalyptus , smoked ham, then hints of primary blackberry, dark chocolate
but exploding with flavor with more airing time....
Great Palate weight/length/fruit tannin
this is the classic oz blend...
ready now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2019 - David Meddings wrote: 93 Points
Decanted 2 hours. Dark garnet. This was firing on all cylinders - cassis, sandalwood and cigar bouquet. Same on palate with great length and near perfect balance.
Shame this was my last but this has been a wonderful wine.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/19/2019 - TwistedArmadillo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Still drinking nicely - nothing different than previous note.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/29/2018 - Ross Man wrote: 89 Points
Deep red, bold, rich, a little herbaceous on the nose, hints of fruit still, starting to lose structure, drink now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/16/2018 - walkerjfw wrote: 92 Points
Coravin'd in Chicago, Bottles purchased several years ago at auction
Dark garnet/purple, no separation, cloudy.Nose of smoke, sandalwood, menthol and oak, Palate of red and dark berries, dark cherry jam, spice, licorice. Sweet/blackberry liqueur, charcoal through the mid palate. Rounded texture, tannins still present. Medium finish
Interesting wine, unique blend. In a good spot, I doubt it gets any better from here. Would drink over next 3-5 years
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/18/2018 - DesMarteau wrote: 90 Points
drank over 2 days...vacuum pumped 1/2 of the bottle in a 375 overnight in fridge. first night...pretty disjointed and off....never really came together. light strawberries, sour cherries, tannins, tar. 2nd night much more integrated with plum, blueberries, tannins in check.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/11/2018 - Shapnyc Likes this wine: 93 Points
Drinking perfectly
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/16/2018 - David Meddings wrote: 93 Points
Opened this a week prior during an Amigne tasting and surprisingly we never got to it. So it went into the fridge, stoppered, for one week.
Dark garnet, some bricking. Bouquet of cassis, plum and sandalwood with some hints of oak. Big bodied, round entry. Driving acidity swells and pairs with sweet cherry mid-palate, inflected with some spiced oak notes and ultrafine tannins. Very long final with just a touch of heat.
Apart from the hint of heat on the finish this was drinking very nicely. I was all the more impressed considering it had been in a fridge for a week. As an early backer of eto (www.etowine.com) I would have loved to have that on hand when putting this in the fridge. Still, I think it's a testament to the complexity of the old vines and the winemaking skill that this wine is still showing so well 16 years on from harvest. Sad I only have one more of these.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
11/11/2017 - levinml wrote: 91 Points
Doing fine. Don't rmember much, but lots of stuffing there, in balance and good flavor. Nothing stood out and just went down easy. If well stored this will be fine for a while, but don't see any paths to improvement.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/19/2017 - Frank Schneider wrote: 92 Points
Mouthful of australia !!!!!! Drink
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/16/2017 - David Meddings wrote: 90 Points
Decanted 1.5 hours. Dark garnet with just a hint of clearing at rim. Cassis and sandalwood bouquet. Same on palate although tonight I felt this missed a step from prior bottles and was ever so slightly prickly. Could have been the pairing (lamb biryani) which was not ideal but will have to pay more attention to food pairing (would suggest bbq filet) in the future and ensure the wine starts at cellar temperature.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/6/2017 - vanpe003 wrote:
Took about an hour for this to open up after a decant and pretty rigorous stir. Started out a bit tight / thin, with a hint of green. Gained both weight and lushness with time in the glass.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2016 - TwistedArmadillo Likes this wine: 90 Points
Paired with rack of lamb, roasted brussel sprouts with french country blend of spices, and roasted potatoes with rosemary. Drank as a vertical with 2003 and 2004. Each wine paired well with the food. The 2002 compared to the others had more dried fruit on the palate (dried white raisins with a slight hint of fig), dry and dusty mouth feel. The 2003 had more ripe fruit on the palate with barnyard mouth feel on the palate, and the 2004 was more similar to the 2002, but not as dusty/dry. Overall everyone ranked the wines 2002 best, then the 2004, with the 2003 behind.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/16/2016 - chadslater wrote: 88 Points
Drank over 2 nights - strak first night, lamb roast second night. Quite ho him. Sweet new oak and little in the way of tannins. Lots of fruit but structure not there.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/6/2016 - PeterjW Likes this wine: 88 Points
spice and coffee on nose with leather, dried fruit spice on nicely balanced palate, medium finish
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/17/2016 - sunalsorises wrote: 87 Points
Better than previous bottle but still below expectations. Out of balance. Just not my style of wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/21/2015 - thalver wrote: 93 Points
What a pleasant surprise. Popped and poured. Quite expressive on the nose from the get-go. Smooth and balanced on the palate, with the cabernet and the shiraz each coming to the fore at times. Lingering finish where the generally well-integrated oak does peak out. I have had several bottles of this, and this was far and away the best showing. Bottles of the previous vintage have been a disappointment 93-94
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/5/2015 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 92 Points
Wow, I take back whatever I said in past years about this wine. And double drat that this is my last bottle. Whatever rough patches it went through in recent years, this evening it was drinking magnificently! Smooth, long, savory, balanced, nuanced, focused, wow, wow, wow.
I didn't believe and I wasn't patient enough. Curse me curse me curse me!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/15/2015 - sunalsorises wrote: 85 Points
Not showing much fruit. Ok to drink but something seems to be off. May be a bad bottle as the cork broke off. Had higher expectations.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/21/2015 - Rojo wrote: 88 Points
Dark red purple color. I noticed a small amount of VA upon opening but dissipated after a few minutes. Still has some dark fruits under the coffee and dark cocoa flavors. I would not hold on much longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/6/2015 - jeig Likes this wine: 93 Points
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are slow. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like prune. It tastes like prune and bark. The body is full. The wine has silky texture. The wine finishes long. The wine has low acidity.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/21/2015 - MLwine Likes this wine: 91 Points
An enjoyable blend that is very well-integrated at this point. Not going to blow your mind, but it is a delicious, fun, and fairly interesting wine. Drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2014 - David Meddings Likes this wine: 92 Points
Decanted 1.5 hours. Lush, dark and deep with wonderful balance. Fine tannins almost completely integrated - goes best with food. Superb.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/7/2014 - Loren Sonkin wrote: 93 Points
Cotat, Myriad, Yalumba, Nicora, Keplinger (GHT): Beautiful wine. Chris opted for pnp as he heard this doesn't hold up at this point. It was so lovely on opening I thought that odd, but indeed it lasted about a half hour before starting to decline. I never got to revisit it later than that to see how it rebounded. Ruby/purple in color. The nose has black raspberries, black pepper, and charcoal. Nice texture. This is not a monster shiraz in any way at this point. Showing layered complexity. Black currants with some spice and some woodiness. Nice balance.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/1/2014 - David Meddings wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured. Dark garnet with some bricking at rim.
This could be packaged in a test tube and sold as essence of cassis. Its one of the most intense examples of a cassis bouquet I can remember. Alongside there are some other notes of interest - mushrooms, forest floor and bacon. Palate is superbly rich with cassis and spice, wonderfully balancing acidity and fine fine tannins on a long final.
Very fine showing tonight and I would wager these still have a long way to go.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/25/2014 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 87 Points
(Tasted at the Ozzy Smack Down - a veritable sludge fest!)
I'm sorry I couldn't score this wine higher but the fruit had mostly faded and the wine was becoming unbalanced. Thinning like my poor head.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/21/2013 - garrigue65 wrote: 93 Points
Nose with fruit immediately, needs to open over a 30 minute window. Nose reminiscent of baked fruit pie. Alluvial spice initially giving way to balanced tannins and alcohol.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/19/2013 - UpfromtheCellar wrote: 90 Points
An interesting mix between Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (called Shiraz in Oz) that actually tastes a bit like both! This particular bottle was mature and well balanced.
Cedar, earth and fruit on the nose, with smooth tannins and dark fruits, a hint of burnt oak and vanilla on the palate. The 14.5% alcohol was not evident in any way. A little juicy around the edges (I blame the Shiraz) all in all an easy mature drinker.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/4/2013 - stoneb Likes this wine: 92 Points
Deep purple color. Opened 45 mins prior to dinner and consumed over 2 nights, with little change after about an hour of air. Wonderful blend of cabernet and shiraz fruit; full-bodied and rich without being overdone. Sweet, resolved tannins. Fully mature and should hold for several more years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/3/2013 - Rojo Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep purple color. Initially funky aroma of barnyard that eventually blew off after about 30 minutes in the glass. It revealed aromas of dark fruits and coffee, beef blood, a hint of mint and toasted oak. Blackberries then mildly spicy in the middle and ends with dark cocoa and intensity of flavors. Very nice!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/20/2013 - TiggerK wrote: 90 Points
Tasted with CamW, his note nails it, as always.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/2/2013 - drunkstar wrote: 90 Points
Tannins resolved but leaving still quite a bit of alcohol heat. At or around peak but plenty of life left in it I just worry that it will get more unbalanced as it gets older?
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/26/2013 - Old Vino wrote: 90 Points
Few more years will allow more integration of subtle tannins and probably resolution of slight Alc heat. However, you can still enjoy it right now. Good QPR.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/23/2013 - mxpbuy Likes this wine: 93 Points
Plenty of overripe blackberries, black cherries and hints of spice. Tannins are smooth but still a bit chewy. Not nearly as mouthcoating as a few years ago, but still a mouthful. This wine could easily last for another 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/11/2013 - EMichels wrote: 90 Points
Solid bottle; Consistent with prior note
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/9/2013 - CamWheeler wrote: 90 Points
Cabernet Shiraz Tasting: Raisin, salami/meaty elements, earth and mint. Palate is black fruited, it is approachable and still primary but should soar with more time.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/4/2013 - garrigue65 wrote: 94 Points
Interesting nose that evolved over about a half an hour. Started with warm notes of blueberry or blackberry pie with nutmeg and spice. On the palate were flavors of tar and leather with warmed blueberry. Finish with spice almost Zin like with balanced alcohol and tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/28/2013 - EMichels wrote: 91 Points
Finally a reasonable bottle of Australian; While it remains overly extracted, sweet, and all the rest, it also has a bit of interest - a slight bit of smokiness, just enough structure, and honest to goodness acid (yes, in an Aussie!)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/23/2012 - parathesis wrote: 91 Points
I love this stuff. This was my last bottle and I enjoyed everyone of them. Nice blend great price back then.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/31/2012 - garrigue65 wrote: 93 Points
Deep dark purple with mature fruit forward of dark berries and a bit of jamminess. Beautifully weighted mouthfeel with balanced alcohol and tannins drinking well now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/22/2012 - KevinS wrote: 89 Points
Thoughts this was past peak. Very strong flavors of mint/eucalyptus coming through, which overpowered the fruit for me. Still good and enjoyable, but not nearly impressive as the prior bottle...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/3/2012 - jonb72 wrote: 87 Points
not worth the price in my opinion, but good. Dark berries and some mineral taste.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/13/2011 - thalver wrote: 92 Points
This bottle showed quite well, certainly better than the past bottles of 2001 of this same wine. Decanted and drank from about an hour and a half to 6 hours later. Upon opening and throughout, the nose was quite expressive, showing dark fruits. Deep garnet in color. While certainly full-bodied, this is by no means an Aussie ooze-monster, and even had a sense of elegance. Initially, the Cabernet flavors seemed to dominate, but with time, hints of blue fruit appeared on the palate, and black pepper on the lingering finish. 92-93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/17/2011 - guitarguy wrote: 91 Points
By far the best bottle of this batch since 2009. I bought from two sources, perhaps this was the good one. Berry, fir and eucalyptus on the nose. This had blueberry, cola, chocolate and black pepper flavors that resolved in a peppery, green leaf finish of decent length.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/5/2011 - guitarguy wrote: 84 Points
As has been the problem with the batch of wines, a bit unpleasant on opening, sulfur, sour. After a couple of hours, it opened some to reveal steely blue fruit and saddle leather in the nose. Flavors are lean even after opening, barnyard, leather, blue fruit and drying tannins. I think this batch had a bit of a brett problem which is not unexpected with high alc, residual sugar wines from Down Under during this period of time. Aussie vintners still have not recovered from this hideous time in their history.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/5/2011 - JohnSh wrote: 92 Points
My last bottle, unfortunately. We popped and poured last night, and all three amigos really enjoyed it. A powerful, complex nose with earth and blackfruits, and the palate was concentrated and full-bodied yet had some elegance and class as well; ripe tannins also were present, but calmed down a bit with decanting. The cabernet seemed dominant to me now, and the velvety smooth finish lasted quite a while. At peak now? But I also thought it was still a little youthful, and I wish I had another few bottles left to test this theory (A-/A)!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/20/2011 - bwaverley wrote: 90 Points
Dark fruit and smoky earth are dominating the bouquet and finish. Flavor patterns are very typical of an Australian Shiraz, minus the Cab. I don't think this will age particularly well from here. My first reviews proved too charitable.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/5/2011 - krmcgrath wrote: 91 Points
Very ripe and mature although a little angular at first. Black cherry, licorice, char, oak, a little barnyard action, good acidity and mellow tannins. Not a lot of urgency but with air this is interesting and very tasty with a lingering finish. Drink up. I think this will continue to evolve, but not necessarily improve from here.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/5/2011 - Tiger Strong Likes this wine: 89 Points
(For the record, I don't like giving a numerical rating)
The nose of this wine is what I call prickly. Instead of a soft gentle blanket that wafts up, it's got lots of pointy spikes that jump up and down.
The first sip, though, is gentler, with gentle spikes at the edges, surrounding a core that is a soft ball of dark fruit and wild herbs. There's a terroir that brings to mind my Bigdaddy's pasture, with the strong scent of wild rosemary hanging in the hot Texas air.
This bottle has been open two hours; I'm betting the spikes mellow and soften more as it continues to open up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/3/2011 - ZorroCT wrote: 92 Points
Fun wine. Changes quickly in the glass. Starts off with earth and game and then bell pepper dominates the nose. Pepper and currant flavors on the palate with hints of tobacco and mint. Not a fruit bomb at all. Cabernet flavors win out. A little too much oak at times. Got a little sweet and raisiny at the end, almost maderized. Agree with last reviewer that it is time to drink up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/16/2011 - rdsboca wrote: 91 Points
Great blend of earthy , mature cab with black fruit structure of the shiraz. Time to frink up as it started to get prune on the finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/28/2011 - slippytoad wrote: 92 Points
Last bottle and I'm sad. Definitely ready now, lots of power and some grace. Fruit t throughout.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/9/2011 - pgm wrote: 93 Points
Had a couple bottles since previous notes in 2007, and all have performed great. This bottle was no exception. Mellowed and integrated somewhat, and the syrah now dominates the cab, but still has nice Cabernet currant and tobacco.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/20/2011 - MLwine wrote: 90 Points
Enjoyable blend of Cab and Shiraz. Rich, fruity, and fun. The blend provides some complexity and interest.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/30/2011 - vanpe003 wrote: 93 Points
Pop/pour. Shiraz character dominates the nose, though this is lighter than some with a baby powder perfume lurking in the background sharing space with wood notes. On the palate, the cabernet part of the blend becomes much more apparent, sharing equal time with the shiraz. Much better than last time around, the pieces seem to be coming together. Well balanced, with some bright notes that serve to keep this from being flabby. Probably even better in a couple years, but in the meantime this has really come around.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/17/2010 - David Meddings Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted 2 hours, served at 15C. Deep purple red. Cassis, cherries, mushroom and oak on the nose. Palate is marked by a rapid attack building quickly across a wide and complex mid-palate of licorice, cherries, black fruits and oak. Tannins are fine and dusty - more prominent than I would have thought and as this was my first of six I'll hold off opening others for a few more years.
The final on this wine just sings - goes on for a minute. Overall, this is a big big red but there is admirable finesse and structure here to accompany the brooding power.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/8/2010 - quickben wrote: 88 Points
lots of fruit - black berry and nicely balanced with the oak and tannins reasonably restrained
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/4/2010 - sswine wrote: 93 Points
Very very nice - is this going to get better? This is standout Aussie juice - exactly what I needed to get me back from the sometimes jaded adventure that is the Napa cab. So much depth to this - the blend of Shiraz and Cabernet works really well.
Immediate hit of leather, deep cassis and smooth, refined tannins. Smellled like a concentrated vat of dark friut - we decanted for 2 hours. Unanimously, this wine took our breath away.
I feel like Ive made a new best friend...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/22/2010 - Tim Heaton Likes this wine:
I'd agree with joshwoodward on this one, it is a very classy drink with delicate lines, yet a mouthful of red and black berries and creamy toasted oak. The tannins are fully integrated and very smooth. I would have put this up against a Napa effort costing 2-3 times as much and this would have come out ahead without a doubt. And while I felt this lacked some complexity, it made up for it with its balance and purity. Very enjoyable, approx $38, 14,5% abv
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/10/2010 - joshwoodward wrote: 93 Points
Wine Club: Invading the South (Van Buren, OH): Popped and poured. Really beautiful stuff - elegant, balanced, structured and restrained. The mouthfeel is terrific, and a beautiful high-toned acidity keeps it fresh and interesting. I'm not used to Aussie reds outclassing Napa, but this was no contest. Awesome stuff. Yalumba is one of my favorite red wine producers, period.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/8/2010 - ljl203 wrote: 89 Points
Sweet and grapey. Smooth tannins and a little acid bounce but nothing too exciting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/3/2010 - guitarguy wrote: 87 Points
Not a horrible effort, skunky, northern Rhone-like Syrah nose (which I do not like), along with hints of mint and blue fruit overtones. Flavors are also a bit skunky, with blueberry, cinnamon basil and black pepper on the back of the palate. A little unbalanced, as many Shiraz wines of this period were, with the ripeness outstripping the tannin and acidity. Not horrible, just an example of a, thankfully, mostly bygone era of Aussie wine manipulating. I used to love this family owned winery, I guess my tastes have changed.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/30/2010 - lkatz wrote: 90 Points
Always a pleaser
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/9/2010 - Khamen wrote: 90 Points
Pop and pour. Nice deep crimson robe. Still very fresh OTN with a plummy anisede note that carries through onto the attack. Settles nicely to a mocha and cream palate flashing some smooth sweet tannins with just a little bite on the medium+ finish. A thin but tasty chocolate veneer. If you're looking for a real Aussie profile look no further. Full-bodied with some decent complexity mingling the cab and shiraz raw materials nicely. A little spice trails along at the end. Will go with the producer on this for now-2012 or so. An excellent Signature.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/2/2010 - krmcgrath wrote: 92 Points
A beautiful cab nose but syrah through the lengthy finish, this is big and ripe, balanced, complex and because of the focused acidity even good at the table. Well done.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/15/2010 - jamscreator wrote: 95 Points
Continues to be an outstanding and shining example of a fine wine from Yalumba. Dark purple and a wonderfully layered combination of burnt oak, leather, blackberry and wet stone. Lingers in the mouth quite long and just tastes so darn good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/14/2010 - mimik wrote: 93 Points
This is drinking very well right now. Lots of blackberry, and cedar and hints of black licorice on the nose with a whiff of green herbs(maybe Herbs de Provence). Palate is nice with blackberry fruit replays, a really nice acidity that gives it the right amount of punch and lingers on the medium-long fruit finish. After some time in the glass, the acidity becomes slightly disjointed with the rest of the wine which would indicate it is beginning to fall apart. Paired well with Roast Beef.93-94. I can't see how in the world this wine will drink well into 2025, Parker's outer range. Sorry but that's incorrect. Agree with the winemaker and Steinman on 2012.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/12/2010 - guitarguy wrote: 88 Points
Chocolate, flint and aniseon the nose. Flavors of dirt (cork???? but I think not), boysenberry, anise. The dirt flavors are a little annoying, sort of reminiscent of dirty dishrag, moderate but somewhat bitter tannins. Could be better.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/31/2010 - klmarshall wrote: 95 Points
Gorgeous.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/17/2010 - gr8nrg wrote: 90 Points
Beautiful and rich. great qpr. Drinking well now with a few more years of similar evolution. Lots of flavour and matches well with the bitterness of char griling.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/16/2010 - guitarguy wrote: flawed
Usually a reliable, un-Aussie-like producer (provides sub-$50 bottlings with no brett, high VA or overt RS), this bottle was just the opposite. An inch of whispy, white-purple sludge on decanting and obvious secondary fermentation (robe bubbles) indicated a nasty, unstable bottle. Hopefully it is isolated because I have five more annd bottle one was just fine. Feral, barnyard, pooh nose, brett obvious on the palate, also a texture sort of like licking wet animal fur. Nasty. Flavors more or less muted, perhaps deadened, by all the instability. Some green leaf and anise notes. Here's hoping Yalumba has not turned into a Molly or Two Toes. This was either flawed or poorly made as decanting and aerating did not mitigate the hog waste pond living in the bottom of this bottle). Day 2 - less brett, sour and tastless. Still merits 75. Off bottle, I hope. (Editor's note: changing from 75 to flawed)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/10/2010 - ljl203 wrote: 92 Points
Deep purple color. Took a day to open up. Initial impression of raw berries, nice length. A green herbal note was present on day 1 but disappeared on day 2. Some mocha notes with great acid and tight tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2009 - hutch wrote: 92 Points
X-Mas Day Wines 2009 (The House): This was a very nice wine, which held it's own against a '96 Harlan tried on the first day. Saved some for X-Mas. The dinner ended up being so rich I pulled a rare action and finished the meal with this instead of the Brunello I orginally pulled. Lots of dark fruits, great aromatics, not terribly complex. You know the deal. Think of the very good Aussie's you've had and there you go. Not over the top at all, but still ripe and rich. Two glasses is about all you need with this stuff.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/24/2009 - pmk wrote: 93 Points
decanted for 30 minutes. very elegant wine, well integrated. plum and ripe dark fruit on the nose with a hint of pepper. On the palate , dark fruit followed by toasty spice, which increased in intensity over the next hour. Hint of oak as the finish proceeds. long finish. Perfect right now. No problem with sediment. Combination of cabernet and Shiraz is quite good. A real winner. I have one more bottle to drink.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/21/2009 - jamscreator wrote: 94 Points
This wine is consistently a winner. Very dark in the glass, almost stoic. Big fruit on the nose and palate, with very mild leather and pepper following behind. Very reminiscant of a old world Bordeaux at times. I just get so darned excited every time I drink this gorgeous wine! One of my all time favorites.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/27/2009 - Khamen wrote: 90 Points
30 minute decant, plenty of sediment so wothwhile. Deep crimson wine demonstrating a rather evolved nose of red fruit, some anise spice and cream. Medium-to-full bodied - very well integrated tannins show off some beautiful oak treatment and the richness of ripe fruit. Good acidity holds it together nicely. The shiraz comes through strongly on the coffee and pepper-spice finish. Drinking at the top of its game now. Excellent
EDIT : 24 hours in decanter and the fruit has faded dramatically, leaving quite a fierce dry mouthful. Don't over-aerate this but great to pop and pour right now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/9/2009 - guitarguy wrote: 90 Points
Nice berry, cola and oak nose with a hint of dirt. Nicely chewy, purple berries, hints of wood and chocolate and a good acidity to back it up. Problem - tannins may not be holding up well enough guarantee a longer term age. 2-3 year life.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/8/2009 - mimik wrote: 92 Points
Not my cup of tea anymore but quite pleasant. The nose is stunning with black licorice,cedar, chocolate, pure blackberry scents. More blackberry notes on a low to medium acidic palate. Fleshy and a long sweet finish. 92
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/3/2009 - bwaverley wrote: 92 Points
A very nice wine, capable of another 3-5 years of cellaring.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/24/2009 - ColinR wrote: 93 Points
Deep crimson; black currants, blackberries, cedar, vanilla; ripe berry, plummy, creamy, medium-full body, good grip, firm ripe tannins, lingering finish.
Decanted 3 hrs. Slightly harsh berry flavours became creamy and plummy after a few hours. Enough concentration and alcohol to handle the oak well. Good aging potential. Delicious with medium-rare rib steak.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2009 - jamscreator wrote: 93 Points
Fairly consistent notes as previous bottles. The color on this wine is hauntingly deep and beautiful. Decanted for 60 minutes which released a myriad of intense dark ripe fruit, oak, leather, pencil lead and juicy bits of plug. Tannins are well in check and this wine has integrated beautifully and should for another 4-5 years with ease. I just can't help to say again - great stuff here! Shorter finish than before.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/31/2009 - A&C wrote: 90 Points
This was among the top 4 wines in a flight of 7 Aussies. Nice Cab fruit, with a nice balance. Probably 4th in some very tough competition.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2009 - bistro wrote: 94 Points
Very impressive. Long flavors with a smooth finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/8/2008 - duffer8008 wrote: 93 Points
Same as before, but it has matured and integrated a good bit. Really like this, but I probaly won't touch my other bottle for 2+ years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/7/2008 - jamscreator wrote: 94 Points
Still an extremely tasty and fantastic wine for those who want to enjoy a truly great wine without breaking the bank. This one is just hands down still a favorite.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/22/2008 - JohnSh wrote: 91 Points
Deep brick in color. The nose has oak, blackcurrent, blueberry, and black licorice. Very smooth on the full bodied palate, good concentration, few tannins, with more blackfruits, oak, pepper, and plums. Nice long finish, with a hint of sweetness at the end.. Still a little youthful, I think, drinking fine now but should improve in the future. A little modern for my tastes, but quite nice (A-).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/1/2008 - deanda wrote: 92 Points
drinking very well now
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/18/2008 - lkatz wrote: 90 Points
Not as good as the '01 but still a good drinker. Comes on strong with oak and alchol even after decanting for 2 hours. Opened up in the glass and went well with duck.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2008 - slippytoad wrote: 92 Points
Enormous Shiraz, alcoholic, probably not ready. Much easier on the palate the second day.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2008 - bwaverley wrote: 91 Points
A very nice wine, but out of balance on the amount of oak in the nose and finish. The alcohol is a bit overpowering, requiring at least a 90 minute decanting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/27/2008 - klmarshall wrote: 95 Points
Fantastic. Drank with Keith and Nicole in Scottsdale.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/31/2008 - VinumCA wrote:
Not rated - only got a chance to taste after 24 hrs in a rather large decanter.
Still an impenetrable dark purple at the core, but starting to fade to plum around the edges.
Nose is obnoxious. Oak, oak, and more oak, it's as though my nose is getting into a fight with a two-by-four. Behind all that oak is a laser beam of plum and black pepper, with a weird dark chocolate / raisin thing going on in the back. A bit of heat is showing up at this point as well.
The mouthfeel on this wine is gorgeous. Simultaneously mouthfilling, slick (glycerin), and tannically quite soft. Blackcurrant and oak dominate the flavour profile, with those chocolate raisins making another appearance. Surprisingly balanced acidity. Layers of black fruit battle with the recurring oak theme on a pretty good 30-second finish.
A winner, probably 92+, but WOW, you'd better like oak if you're going to drink one of these.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/5/2008 - redderthanred wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for about an hour or so. Nose was of creamy cherries, dark fruit, and oak...not all that complex, but good. Finish was a little short and hot.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/5/2008 - *Vine* wrote: 95 Points
Uncorked and left in the cellar for a few hours. Went back down into the cellar and was greeted by wonderful, cellar-filling aromatics from this wine...salivated too much to notice the color and poured...amazing nose...toasty cedar, coconut, fruit, and floral scented incense wafted from the glass.
Medium to full bodied, this wine seems highly extracted yet has deceiving structure and elegance. Blackberry, boysenberry, plums, vanilla bean plus hints of anise and thai basil on the palate. Notes of expresso were evident as this wine evolved in the glass. Big, smooth tannins still present. Soaring finish.
Just a fabulous Aussie, wish I had another in the cellar, would love to see where this is in 2+ years...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/18/2008 - Tarrant wrote: 92 Points
Fabulous - Dark purple/black, with notes of black fruit, pepper, extreme oak on the nose, very well concentrated, full bodied yet balanced with a silky smooth long finish on the palate, very well done!! (92 Points).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/22/2007 - oski wrote: 93 Points
Nicely balanced wine with the fruit and the oak. Smooth yet still tannic, great value on this one.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/22/2007 - klmarshall wrote: 95 Points
Excellent. Huge, but not a bomb. Backbone and very long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/22/2007 - pablopilot wrote: 92 Points
Very berry with a tannic twist. Needs time to relax and integrate more. Probably a 95 point wine in 5 years or more. Very deep and big. Lots of alchohol, maybe it will end up being too hot for its own good.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/5/2007 - sstoloff wrote: 91 Points
Very nice, elegant wine, balanced and restrained, with cherry and cola flavors, vibrant nose and finish, though I thought a little bit "hot."
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/16/2007 - duffer8008 wrote: 93 Points
Lucious wine. Vanilla and bannana on the palate. Wonderful mouth coating. Great wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/8/2007 - vanpe003 wrote:
Northwoods Wineapalooza; 9/7/2007-9/9/2007 (Boulder Junction, Wisconsin): No dtl'd notes. Marker for 3 day tasting @ Wineapalooza. Not particularly memorable, in either a favorable or unfavorable way. Should not be poured on an evening with more full-bodied offerings, as it gets lost in the shuffle, finiding the middle ground between young, bold fruit bombs and the more mature bottlings served.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/5/2007 - GLD wrote:
still a litle rough--better with time--like 20 t0 30 min. (85)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/3/2007 - jamscreator wrote: 94 Points
Gorgeous deep ruby red color and an initial nose of tomatoes, light pepper and plum. After an hour of decanting, this wonderfully entertaining wine turned to dark cherries, smoked pipe tobacco, and a trace of tanned leather. On the palate this wine danced around and the tastes intertwined like a well played symphony. There is nothing thin or weak about this wine, and the finish is as smooth as glass. I'm absolutely thrilled with this wine and equally thrilled that I bought half a case. Can't wait to see how this develops in the next 2 years - the closest thing I've had to a perfect wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/3/2007 - Animus wrote: 92 Points
Nice fruitiness, balanced with good finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/25/2007 - jackarmando wrote: 93 Points
Drunk in a blind tasting. Immediate impression was a smooth, accessible young Bordeaux wine. Beautiful, smooth texture and finnish, with wonderful characteristic Cab flavors. This is a bargain wine, and tastes far above its price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/24/2007 - madeiradog wrote: 91 Points
Deeply colored with sweet fruit, some candied violet and light caramel oak. I find the oak a touch too much in this wine still - maybe it needs more time (decanted for 3 hours). More structure than the COL, with dark berry fruits and thankfully no blueberry syrup.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/19/2007 - Schu wrote: 92 Points
Well integrated with a nice soft mouthfeel. Requires a bit of time decanting. It was very closed for the first hour or so, but after that she really started to sing.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/13/2007 - Danielusmc0331 wrote: 90 Points
Superb wine for the prize.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/12/2007 - Grinner wrote: 89 Points
Both of my 2 bottles over the past 3 mos were pretty oaky for my tastes (? American). Spicy black fruit with decent depth but not what I buy Aussies for...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/3/2007 - Rollerball wrote: 91 Points
Alluring nose of underbrush, tobacco, tomatoes, berries, and lilacs roared out of the gate and then persisted. The slightly harsh tart-cherry flavor profile is MUCH improved with red meat. Grilled steak deepened, darkened, and softened it. The long candied finish is inconsistent with the rest of the glass. Of the two varietals, the Shiraz supports but stays out of the way of the Cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/22/2007 - toend wrote: 93 Points
Popped & poured at a local steak house. Terrific nose, full bodied and long finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/6/2007 - dannyk8232 wrote: 93 Points
Popped and poured.
Blood red in the glass; barely translucent. Aromas of anise and tobacco and leather leap out of the glass. The cabernet flavors dominate the somewhat mellow shiraz characteristics - notes of black fruits and pepper. Cedar and cherry are also present. Soft, fine tannins are integrated nicely at this stage. Medium to full-bodied. A finish that goes on a very long time. This is a soft, pleasant wine which is approachable now and cellarable. Very good value for around $30.
40+5+5+17+18+8=93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
7/4/2007 - silton wrote: 93 Points
I really enjoyed this blend. Deep, rich fruit packaged in a smooth, long wine that doesn't get jammy or stewy in the least. Nor is it angular or unevolved. The Shiraz and the Cab are both apparent and complementary, the Shiraz adding just enough extra oomph and brightness. Not a lot of acid, but a nice finish and not overdone like some other recent Aussies I've tried. Killer value and my other bottle will rest until a future red meat moderately special occasion in 1 to 5 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/3/2007 - parathesis wrote: 92 Points
Nice blend. Well balanced both cab/shiraz as well as acidity, fruit and alcohol. The tannins are fine and easy. The bottle opened up after an hour or more. I really enjoy the signiture series, glad I have a few remaining.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2007 - ruddy wrote: 92 Points
Agree with other notes that this wine needs some time in the decanter or glass to open up. Anise, cassis, bramble/underbrush on the nose. Palate follows nose. Finish has a touch of menthol. A very nice wine at a nice price.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/30/2007 - pgm wrote:
Bought a couple bottles at a restaurant for a small dinner party. No formal notes taken but the wine was similar but not quite as expressive as the previous bottle tasted at home with decanting. Excellent wine, excellent value, and it was a hit with the group (who bought a third bottle when the two I ordered were emptied).
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/2/2007 - spts1000 wrote: 93 Points
very smooth and integrated. this was a very nice wine and not that big shiraz that i was expecting. a very nice wine and im happy i have another bottle, but wish i had more than one left
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/17/2007 - pgm wrote: 94 Points
Decanted for two hours, but it didn't really come alive for another hour after we began to pour to the glasses. Glad I decanted. It was fantastic. The cabernet profile really dominates, with cassis and black cherry, with a slight, sweet herbal notes somewhere between tobacco, eucalyptus, and olive. For a brief period, it presented a nice note of milk chocolate on the nose and to the palate. The tannins are ample enough to provide a firm structure, but are are exceptionally fine, and well balanced by the acid and fruit.
A really serious wine that performed beyond my expectations. Lives up to high marks by WA and IWC. At ~$36, a very good value.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/15/2007 - Barberolo wrote:
56/44 CabSauv/Shz dark ruby/purple translucent, red cherry/cassis fruit with toasty vanilla and pepper, slight menthol/eucalyptus streak with warm earth, med-full bodied with moderate complexity, med- acidity with med+ tannins and med finish. Good but not up to RP/WS ratings. Steak, lamb 2G (Horizon, Icon)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/6/2007 - nob8dnkr wrote: 92 Points
good solid wine. Much closer to a Shiraz than a cabernet. Very clean, polished wine with separated flavors. I think that age will help this wine develope some complexity which it seems to be lacking. If it had some unique characteristic to it, it would merit an even higher score.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
2/5/2007 - jacobp wrote: 93 Points
Licorice on the nose; delightful mouthfeel and long lasting and firm finish with well formed tannins.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/26/2007 - mfkidd wrote: 95 Points
Consumed at the Steiner/Traynor house prior to Dyan's birthday party. No serious notes taken as we were whisked away quickly to Katana. But eveyone was mighty impressed with this pop and pour.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/26/2007 - Mark wrote: 94 Points
No tasting notes, but I recall this to be a lovely signature. These wines are always so attractive when young, previous vintages seemed to lose a little of their luster after a few years of age, let’s see what happens.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/21/2007 - samurai wrote: 92 Points
Very drinkable with well integrated tanins. I thought Parker was a little generous with his rating but it's definitely a nice bottle of wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/20/2007 - Pearce wrote: 94 Points
very ballanced wine, We really enjoyed this, the finish was as strong and smooth as the first breath, very nice.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/31/2006 - TwoDogs wrote: 91 Points
New Years with family
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/5/2006 - TwoDogs wrote: 91 Points
I think it has a hint of mint with a burst of fruit (Scope). However, my more sofisticated husband thinks it's not that bad. 89 + 94/2=91.5
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/3/2006 - vinaigre wrote: 95 Points
Montreal Offline: MWP End of year (Restaurant Forchetta): Nice deeep ruby red with violet edge. Nose of sweet wood, cedar and chocolate. Great body, balance and finish of fruits and pepper. Nice long finish.
Have to get some !!
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2006 - mimik wrote: 93 Points
A strong nose of black licorice,cedar, chocolate, cassis and plum. More plum and blackberry/currant notes on a lush low acidic palate. Fleshy and a long sweet finish. 93 points
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/2/2006 - KevinS wrote: 94 Points
Tasted weeks ago, quick thoughts: REALLY enjoyed this. Huge fruit flavors, but retained good balance. You can really taste both the shiraz and cabernet. I'm usually unimpressed with these blends, but this one really worked well, highlighting the strengths of both varietals and complementing them. Will certainly improve, but will be hard to resist...
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment