Visually the wine has a deep Garnet core with and orange brick on the rim. 14 years of age have really done this wine some justice. Aromas burst from the glass with raspberries, eucalyptus and most intensely black licorice. On the palate you are rewarded with tart black cherries, cranberries and black tea. The wine has such great focus and energy. The tannins have been tamed with time and have taken their place in the back of the car. The secondary notes have come up to the front seat and are in control. The finish is long and tapers off so well.
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Superbe! Belle structure un peu pulpeuse avec une saine acidité. Fruits très mûrs: fraises cuites, cerise noires. Aurait été parfait avec un porc sauce à la figue.
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Surprisingly good. At its peak. Alcohol is high, but does not feel high. Very good balanced, quite fruity. The viognier brings some lightness and elegance. Spices, black fruits, round structure with good acidity.
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decanted for an hour. Out of the bottle was tight with shale. became a full bodied licorice, charcoal, and prune big wine. Not exceptionally complex but great none the less. Drink now.
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WinterBrunner (Killara): Funky, sweet spices. Cola nut. Ashy fruit, "gnarly" spice, finishing with smokey blue fruit. Certainly developed - do not keep!
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0 for 2 tonight, after a corked bottle. This one is either way over the hill or cooked. Color is brownish-red. Smells like stewed fruit...overly sweet and cloying. Tastes much of the same, with acid that is zingy, no tannins to speak of. 2nd of 2 bottles of this that were similarly affected. I think it was either poorly stored before I got it (WineBid purchase in late 2015) or it's just TOO DAMN OLD. Should have drank 2 years ago. Shame on me for taking a chance on it.
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P&P. Really mixed on this wine. I think it MAY be a bit over the hill, or possibly some improper storage in it's life. Slight prune characteristics in the aromas and flavor made it slightly unattractive. The structure and everything else under the prune nose and aftertaste was quite nice. This is hard wine to judge, but I'm leaning toward a lower score. Probably 84-86 points...drink now.
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dark, ruby appearance, spice and alcohol on the nose. black pepper, smooth tannins, cherry and dark chocolate. A long smooth finish. Others are saying drink now, I will drink 2 more and leave 3 for another year. Consumed with strong cheeses (perfect) and separately mildly spiced Thai food (not bad but the Thai was a little overwhelmed.)
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Not my go-to style, although, undeniable quality. Bordering on 90. The high alcohol is well integrated in massess of dark fruit - the added viognier is the probable savior preventing this to be too jammy.
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Very lovely wine for the $35 price. This producer is always worth a shot at trying and rarely disappoints. Lots of the typical McLaren Vale notes show through in this wine. On the note lots of luscious ripe black and red berries can, milk chocolate, leather, dried earth. Palate matches nose, florality of the Viognier more apparent and plays lovely with the Shiraz. Full bodied, medium plus tannins and medium acidity. Pair with fall berry pie or game meat with a berry reduction
Buy! (first time seen at LCBO)
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Decanted for 3 plus hours from a screw top. Powerful nose but initially a touch uninteresting yet black fruit palate improved with time. Not as good as the Dead Arm though still very pleasant and very drinkable. No sign of exhaustion either.
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Perhaps I got a great batch of this or my storage has been to its liking but we have truly loved this. Based upon the other reviews, I though perhaps I had paid too much for the 3 bottles that I bought. I can't say that as it has been a most remarkable Aussie Shiraz. The dark fruit, smoothness and balance have been excellent. Last bottle, maybe I just got lucky.
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Fairly inoffensive wine that hasn't moved much since my last bottle and I very much doubt it will get any better. Lots of black fruits with the viogner hard to pick. Oak is in the background and the tannins are quite supple. Good quaffer.
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This improved nicely over the last 4-5 years. Bay leaf, citrus and cocoa on the nose. Medium body with licorice, cocoa, some hint of oak and a nice long finish. 89-90
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In a really good spot now and should hold for a few more years yet. Viogner hardly noticeable and still showing a nice bright colour. Nice black fruit with a hint of spice is underlined by silky smooth tannins. Wish I had more of this.
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Little to add to my TN of 31.05.2012, except this one is a stonkingly good bottle in perfect condition, good for another 5 years. Gorgeous blueberry liquor; tannins just like velvet, literally like licking velvet. 91P
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From 75cl. I take back all the unkind remarks in my TN of 06.12.2011. This randy old codger has a killer scent full of almost pheremonally stimulating blackberry-rumtopf sex appeal. The palate is rich: sweet blackberry fruit rolls in on waves crested with excellent acidic poise, the finish is (literally) mouth-watering and intensely moreish. Fabulous value at 13,75 € retail (2007) and a wonderful reminder of why it is worth building and stocking a wine cellar. Happy days. 90P
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Like last few notes - this is 6 yrs old and still has life...needs to settle in a glass/decanter for at least 1 hr. Initially is very in your face with acid and fruit, almost hurts! After some time that settles, but still a ton of fruit (dark fruit and some sour cherry). Finish is long and settles with a little oak in there. For me, the style is a little over the top with fruit/sugar. Seems like the more recent vintages are similar - the "classic" style of fruit laden vino's from Auz...
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Dark garnet, almost inky. This had a good bit of acid left that, when paired with its predominant sour cherry note, kept me guessing as to how it would evolve next. One of the more interesting wines I've had in a while.
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A lot of layered red and black fruits, not much tannin left, not enough acidity to match with the fruits. Did not evolve much on day 2. A bit unbalance and flabby though, but it is a good daily wine.
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Christmas Day with the fam. Dark fruits into pleasurable plum. Started out with lots of earthy notes, but that subsides to fruit with a little time in the glass, soft spice and some grassy vitamin. Bright acid and some easy green that seems to be fading into the wine. Easy side of full body, without feeling super dense and concentrated on the palate. Interesting construction that isn't without some 'where is this going?' thoughts. As this opens up over the course of 3 or 4 hours, this wine really pulls itself together in a serious way. Pop and pour thoughts were not all that impressive. Now, dark black fruits and plum. Some flowery/pollenesque sweetness to the palate, but also a dried flower. Density and concentration is now apparent on the palate, with thoughts of bacon fat starting to show too.
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I prefered this when it was young and spunky; in middle age it is still a very good, softly-sweet rewarding Aussie treat, but perhaps a bit too meltingly juicy for its own good. Healthy blackberry-blueberry entry, seamless mid-palate, very slight residual tannic grip on the finish. The tendency towards middle-aged spread will continue: I have made a note to drink up my remaining bottles this winter before the love-handles become even more evident - but it all depends what you like. 87P
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Drank the last of my 2006s last night and did not realize until posting these notes that it's been 2 years since I last had an 06. It was worth the wait. Popped and poured. Lush crushed blueberry right out of the bottle. A tad on the acidic side, which I like and that hint of eucalyptus lingering in the shadows. Some, like me, appreciate the viognier component, which is kept to a low 4% (just right) and provides a bit more depth and floral element. This will certainly evolve with more time in the cellar, but it's drinking so well now.
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Dark opaque. Sweat, stewed plums, leather, blackberry, cherry, mint, eucalyptus, vanilla. Very Shiraz. Rounded body. Nicely balanced. A little high on alcohol. Delicious, and far better than the 2007.
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Decanted half an hour. Dark, almost black. Dark fruit. Spicey with some freshness (viognier?). Not quiet an Aussi blockbuster but more an elegant wine. Cherry, good acid and nice aftertaste. Think this wine will last for another 2 a 3 yrs.
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Johannisbeere und Rumtopf, fruchtig-fragile Töne und Pfefferschokolade - spannende Nase; gut gereift in der Magnum; am Gaumen mit kräftiger Säure, frisch, viel Würze, gutem Abgang; teilweise ein wenig "heiß" bei 15%...
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Nice deep ruby color. Blackberry, blueberry, cedar, eupalyptus, licorice, vanilla, and a nice floral element on the nose. Full body with ripe, integrated tannins and good acidity. Rich, ripe, and sweet on the palate but with no over ripe elements. The oak is nicely integrated and just add nice complexity. Fairly long finish. Very tasty, but in the end, not that memorable.
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Rich, expressive cornucopia of XX-smallberry fruits. You name it, it's in there. The 15% alc is well integrated. Unusually strong, tangy acidity for an Aussie shiraz and not too sweet. My only gripe is that the tannins are a bit mouth-puckering and chunky. But there is so much else going on here that this is a matter of taste and food pairing (would have been better with lamb than with the beef we drank it with). In short, a fine wine and stunning value for under 14 Euros retail. 90P(-)
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Ruth called this the best Austrailian wine we have tasted. It was delicious and should get even better with a few years. Impressive Berry flavors and smooth distinct tannins. We started drinking before the meal and it only got better with food.
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Deep crimson color with aromas of dark cherries, blueberry and black tea. Very juicy palate that gives a lot of effort to please with hints of cherry, dark chocolate, blueberry, and tar. Quite concentrated and full-bodied with silky tannins. Great stuff for the price! Drink now until 2020.
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Vibrant and pungently aromatic, with deep dark fruit on the palate.I find the 06 Magpie does fall apart a bit the next day, losing much of its piercing smells and flavours, and where I once thought this was one that could be cellared I'm leaning away from putting more of this away.
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Always a favorite. Very dark and rich- think blueberry pie with a hint of eucalyptus (perfect description, thanks Haggis). If paired with food, go big and bold. This wine will overpower delicate or subtle flavors. On the other hand, those same characteristics make it a great wine to enjoy on its own.
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Blueberry, kirsch and licorice nose. These flavors follow through to the palate and are joined by a hint of floral and flow through a nice long finish.
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This is definitely not the underperfomer that WS (Steiman) seems to think it is, nor does it quite peform as Jay Miller (WA) suggests. It has great expressions of blueberry, kirsch, licorice, and cedar. Yes, there is that hint of eucalyptus that Steiman seems to pick up (what he calls "acrid") and what he, being the Aussie man for Wine Spectator, should be used to by now and be able to describe for the rest of us...but, then, I've never understood his Aussie palate. Very smooth and velvety tannins fill out this very nice wine and excellent QPR.
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Open 1 hr. One dimensional, blueberry jam all around bit of dirt/dust and smoke on the nose. Spicy and hot on the finish. Typical Aussie Shiraz. Could do better at $15.Good, enjoyable, nothing wrong with it, just not great.
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Purple opaque. Nose of dark fruits, flowers, some spice. Similar palate with some plum, cassis. Extracted but a really nice wine. Nice tannins. Nicely paired with chili.
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Popped and poured. COLOR: Deep (Crayola) red-violet. Nearly opaque. NOSE: Beagn somewhat closed, possibly because it came straight out of the cellar. Opened up to hint of mint and hay - closing my eyes, I thought of a large, open field...and later very subtle vanilla and leather or tobacco notes. TASTE: Very well-rounded. Moderate, smooth tannins and acidity. The fruit was not overpowering, but it was present. Less spicy than a 100% Shiraz - as expected. Nice, long finish. OVERALL: Terrific wine. Pleasantly surprising and very enjoyable by itself. I need to buy more. (4+13+17+8)
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Very dark black/ruby, almost 100% opaque. Substantial black currant with smaller notes of vanilla, eucalyptus, smoke, and alcohol on the nose. Medium weight and acidity, subtle and soft tannins. Flavor really delivers the major fruit-forward character of the aroma and I get a sense that these grapes were harvested at the perfect time and treated with skill and care in the winery. Beautiful long finish and overall, exceeded expectation. A definite recommend at this price. Outstanding (5+12+16+7) = 90
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Staff Tasting (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): Very expressive nose of blue fruit. All spice and clove. palate of spice box and liquorice. So ripe. Acidity here keeps this wine alive.
McLaren - mint, eucalyptus Barossa - full on all the time.
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One of my favorite shiraz blends! Lovely dark berry fruit with eucalyptus and touches of vanilla and coconut, also with a faint smokiness at times. Medium tannin and acidity. I heartily recommend this!
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Syrupy, dark fruits, licorice and floral on the nose. On the palate, tarry blueberry, cherry, other berries, black tea, oak and smoke. Very fleshy and supported by good tannins and a medium-long finish. Overall impression is that this rewards sipping and thinking. Shiraz and Viognier - it's a loud blend, but it comes together nicely. I enjoy this whenever I drink it.
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Deep purple in the glass this wine shows Intense blackberry, blueberry and liquorice on the nose. The palate is pretty full on, and a little sweet. Dense black fruit, vanilla and a little background spice.
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Aromatic, but the Viognier adds aromas leaning towards peach jam and oily white flowers; there is no fresh citrusy character here. Again, the wine is spicy but in a baked sweet spice rather than zesty. Smooth and rich flavor.
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A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier. Pretty floral perfumed nose. Blackberry, liquorice, mint, black cherry and earth. Structure with plenty of oak tannin. Some depth but the finish is quite hot and tart.
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94% shiraz, 6% viognier. very floral with the white component. bold, but wasn't full of heat to me (kevin disagreed, what does he know?), mild oak, needs some decanting or cellar time to flesh out. good QPR, but i wouldn't buy it. same score, but i enjoyed this more than the d'arry's.
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Just had a taste, no formal notes. Too much oak but nice full bodied wine, 2005 was more structured and smooth, with juicier feel to it. Maybe it needs to be decanted for several hours or age a year or two...
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This was better that I remembered in relation to our last bottle - Very dark, almost black, well concentrated with notes of black fruit, cherry, licorice, tar and vanilla on the nose, structured very well, yet elegant, mild tannins from a long aeration, smooth with excellent length (90 Points).
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I thought it to be a bit better than other CT users. Great Floral nose, with definite blueberries and cedar. Full bodied wine with tons of dark fruit and a rather long finish. I was a bit surprised at how good this was.
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Loved the fruit; very smooth long finish. Didn't taste the complexity others mention. Seemed more one dimensional fruit bomb. Still worth buying again.
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Good wine but nothing spectacular. Unmemoriable wine. I returned my remaining bottles. Abit hazy colour, abit too much viognier. I prefer galvo garage 2005
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First let me say we are big fans of D'Arenburg, and loved the '03 Laughing Magpie - think it deserved every point from RP. Aeration decant and pour. Dark magenta, but a bit lighter in color than the '05. Interestingly some of the '05 bottles we drank last year showed considerable sediment already, but this '06 shows none. Effuvious nose as always, but of medicine/bandaid, alcohol, citrus, dark fruit, and floral component - in that order. Good rasberries and blackberries on the attack, but the midpalate and relatively short drying finish are affected by zest of tangerine that is obviously the contribution of the 6% Viognier. Based on this bottle, the varietal marriage is awkward, not as great as previous years. Will buy & try another in 6 months or so to see if it shows better.
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Nose - a bit closed, some flower scents, some fruit. Strong upfront, lots of dark fruit. Solid in the mid-palate. A bit more medium bodied than the 2003-2005. Definitely less floral on the finish than the 2003 and 2004, which was a bit dissapointing. Nice finish, structured but not overpowering tannins. Did not fare well after a day, became harshly acidic and lost the little floral notes I found. Finish lasted about 30 seconds and then dropped off rapidly. If you can find it around $20US it's a great buy. 89-90.
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Great value. This wine has a beautiful nose of flowers, spice and dark fruit. Lovely ripe extracted fruit in the mouth with a bit of complexity for the price point. Another fine effort.
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This was very difficult to judge with the overly spicy sausage meal we had with it - It was dark purple/black, concentrated, notes of black fruit, pepper, flowers, spice and vanilla on the nose, the Viognier definitely gave this a different edge, perhaps a bit more feminine, with a long finish (88 Points).
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COLOR - like a good shiraz, dark blood red. SMELL- wonderful, rich bouquet of shiraz nose, grapey and fruity. TASTE - powerful on palate, with rich raisin flavors; I am not certan this will age well, as it is already remarkably drinkable at this young age, like many Aussie wines. RATING - 90.
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Nose of spicy black plum, licorice, blueberry and cherry jam with hints of smoke. Not very tannic and less acidic than previous vintages with fresh blackberry and blueberry notes on a tangy medium long finish. Enjoyable right now and shows more restraint and elegant than the couple of previous Magpie vintages.
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Aussie Shiraz Shootout: Wine # 3: Okay … complexity … novel idea. Aromatics showed minerals and flower elements along with the fruit. It was Bordeaux to me. Showed much better acidity than the previous two. There was also a nice amount of tannins. Great balance. Needs a few years. (7,0,0 = 35 points) Group # 1, my # 1
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This wine was tasted immediately after pulling the cork. The color of the wine was dark purple almost black with a rim of violet,very beautiful in the glass.The nose screamed of sweet dark fruits. Taste confirmed the sweetness although it was almost a bit too much candied fruit.Nice length and finish. I look forward to tasting it again after a little time to open up.
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pitch color with a luscious nose of candied cherry and blueberry. full bodied with ripe tannins and a lot of blueberry pie, cherry and dark chocolate, with even some black tea elements. there is a balanced amount of toasty oak. not life-changing, but this is a very yummy wine. 14.5% alcohol. 90% shiraz and 10% viognier, which were co-fermented and aged for 12 months in french and american oak. this is still a baby and could use a few years for sure.
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12/31/2020 - Wine4Life Likes this wine: 91 Points
Deep dark full bodied wine. Has cellared very well, great balance with good complexity. Great value!
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5/17/2020 - Optimus Wine Likes this wine: 92 Points
Visually the wine has a deep Garnet core with and orange brick on the rim. 14 years of age have really done this wine some justice. Aromas burst from the glass with raspberries, eucalyptus and most intensely black licorice. On the palate you are rewarded with tart black cherries, cranberries and black tea. The wine has such great focus and energy. The tannins have been tamed with time and have taken their place in the back of the car. The secondary notes have come up to the front seat and are in control. The finish is long and tapers off so well.
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5/2/2017 - capnkirk Likes this wine: 89 Points
held up well, voignier provided a little tangy taste, pleasant and drinkable with cherry and some floral flavors
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3/3/2017 - Vince_chip Likes this wine: 91 Points
Superbe! Belle structure un peu pulpeuse avec une saine acidité. Fruits très mûrs: fraises cuites, cerise noires. Aurait été parfait avec un porc sauce à la figue.
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2/1/2017 - loloFR Likes this wine: 89 Points
Surprisingly good. At its peak. Alcohol is high, but does not feel high. Very good balanced, quite fruity. The viognier brings some lightness and elegance. Spices, black fruits, round structure with good acidity.
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1/6/2017 - Brian1970 wrote:
Good
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12/30/2016 - IvanMoskowitz Likes this wine: 89 Points
decanted for an hour. Out of the bottle was tight with shale. became a full bodied licorice, charcoal, and prune big wine. Not exceptionally complex but great none the less. Drink now.
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10/12/2016 - abl928 wrote:
Gave to friend, did not taste.
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8/20/2016 - JerM wrote: 92 Points
WinterBrunner (Killara): Funky, sweet spices. Cola nut. Ashy fruit, "gnarly" spice, finishing with smokey blue fruit. Certainly developed - do not keep!
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6/16/2016 - RPerro Does not like this wine: 75 Points
0 for 2 tonight, after a corked bottle. This one is either way over the hill or cooked. Color is brownish-red. Smells like stewed fruit...overly sweet and cloying. Tastes much of the same, with acid that is zingy, no tannins to speak of. 2nd of 2 bottles of this that were similarly affected. I think it was either poorly stored before I got it (WineBid purchase in late 2015) or it's just TOO DAMN OLD. Should have drank 2 years ago. Shame on me for taking a chance on it.
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4/9/2016 - RPerro wrote: 85 Points
P&P. Really mixed on this wine. I think it MAY be a bit over the hill, or possibly some improper storage in it's life. Slight prune characteristics in the aromas and flavor made it slightly unattractive. The structure and everything else under the prune nose and aftertaste was quite nice. This is hard wine to judge, but I'm leaning toward a lower score. Probably 84-86 points...drink now.
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3/4/2016 - Ulaa Likes this wine: 91 Points
dark, ruby appearance, spice and alcohol on the nose. black pepper, smooth tannins, cherry and dark chocolate. A long smooth finish. Others are saying drink now, I will drink 2 more and leave 3 for another year. Consumed with strong cheeses (perfect) and separately mildly spiced Thai food (not bad but the Thai was a little overwhelmed.)
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2/8/2016 - Mad Dog Mikey Likes this wine: 89 Points
Not my go-to style, although, undeniable quality. Bordering on 90. The high alcohol is well integrated in massess of dark fruit - the added viognier is the probable savior preventing this to be too jammy.
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1/31/2016 - jimsails wrote:
drink immediately, don't hold any longer
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10/10/2015 - CAQC wrote: 92 Points
Very lovely wine for the $35 price. This producer is always worth a shot at trying and rarely disappoints. Lots of the typical McLaren Vale notes show through in this wine. On the note lots of luscious ripe black and red berries can, milk chocolate, leather, dried earth. Palate matches nose, florality of the Viognier more apparent and plays lovely with the Shiraz. Full bodied, medium plus tannins and medium acidity. Pair with fall berry pie or game meat with a berry reduction
Buy! (first time seen at LCBO)
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10/3/2015 - Ungifted Likes this wine: 89 Points
Decanted for 3 plus hours from a screw top. Powerful nose but initially a touch uninteresting yet black fruit palate improved with time. Not as good as the Dead Arm though still very pleasant and very drinkable. No sign of exhaustion either.
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5/20/2015 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Perhaps I got a great batch of this or my storage has been to its liking but we have truly loved this. Based upon the other reviews, I though perhaps I had paid too much for the 3 bottles that I bought. I can't say that as it has been a most remarkable Aussie Shiraz. The dark fruit, smoothness and balance have been excellent. Last bottle, maybe I just got lucky.
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5/3/2015 - WilD wrote: 90 Points
P&P. This wine performs well. Nice shiraz with some viognier freshness. Little sweet hints at the end. Nice fruit. Drink now
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2/28/2015 - Acohen Likes this wine: 88 Points
nice dark fruit and good aromatics
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1/16/2015 - NoseKnows Likes this wine: 91 Points
Better than I was expecting... Not a big jammy fruit bomb at all. Great complexity. Wish I had bought more.
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1/14/2015 - vinodolphin Likes this wine: 92 Points
Another excellent showing. Sadly, only one bottle left.
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12/13/2013 - WilD wrote: 90 Points
P&P. This wine performs well. Nice shiraz with some viognier freshness. Little sweet hints at the end. Nice fruit. Drinking very well.
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10/27/2013 - ticklenow1 Likes this wine: 88 Points
Fairly inoffensive wine that hasn't moved much since my last bottle and I very much doubt it will get any better. Lots of black fruits with the viogner hard to pick. Oak is in the background and the tannins are quite supple. Good quaffer.
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8/9/2013 - dke wrote: 89 Points
This improved nicely over the last 4-5 years. Bay leaf, citrus and cocoa on the nose. Medium body with licorice, cocoa, some hint of oak and a nice long finish. 89-90
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7/13/2013 - bouchase wrote: 82 Points
Très alcoolisé...probablement dépassé son appogée.
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5/22/2013 - Winiac wrote: 90 Points
Dark color, very spicy taste. Good acidity and tannins. Seems it could use a few more years in the cellar.
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4/17/2013 - ticklenow1 Likes this wine: 90 Points
In a really good spot now and should hold for a few more years yet. Viogner hardly noticeable and still showing a nice bright colour. Nice black fruit with a hint of spice is underlined by silky smooth tannins. Wish I had more of this.
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7/8/2012 - honest bob wrote: 91 Points
Little to add to my TN of 31.05.2012, except this one is a stonkingly good bottle in perfect condition, good for another 5 years. Gorgeous blueberry liquor; tannins just like velvet, literally like licking velvet. 91P
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6/7/2012 - Holger wrote: 88 Points
stored too warm. ok but borderline. fruity good balance.
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5/31/2012 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
From 75cl. I take back all the unkind remarks in my TN of 06.12.2011. This randy old codger has a killer scent full of almost pheremonally stimulating blackberry-rumtopf sex appeal. The palate is rich: sweet blackberry fruit rolls in on waves crested with excellent acidic poise, the finish is (literally) mouth-watering and intensely moreish. Fabulous value at 13,75 € retail (2007) and a wonderful reminder of why it is worth building and stocking a wine cellar. Happy days. 90P
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5/1/2012 - FinMB wrote: 88 Points
Solid wine that rated consistent with my expectations. Initially lacking in complexity and depth but improved with time as it opened up.
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4/2/2012 - YWG Wine Guy wrote: 87 Points
Like last few notes - this is 6 yrs old and still has life...needs to settle in a glass/decanter for at least 1 hr. Initially is very in your face with acid and fruit, almost hurts! After some time that settles, but still a ton of fruit (dark fruit and some sour cherry). Finish is long and settles with a little oak in there. For me, the style is a little over the top with fruit/sugar. Seems like the more recent vintages are similar - the "classic" style of fruit laden vino's from Auz...
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3/19/2012 - boogeyone Likes this wine: 89 Points
Still has plenty of structure, would hold remaining bottles another year at least.
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1/28/2012 - fitchbuck Likes this wine: 92 Points
Dark garnet, almost inky. This had a good bit of acid left that, when paired with its predominant sour cherry note, kept me guessing as to how it would evolve next. One of the more interesting wines I've had in a while.
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1/14/2012 - wkkan wrote: 84 Points
A lot of layered red and black fruits, not much tannin left, not enough acidity to match with the fruits. Did not evolve much on day 2. A bit unbalance and flabby though, but it is a good daily wine.
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12/25/2011 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Christmas Day with the fam. Dark fruits into pleasurable plum. Started out with lots of earthy notes, but that subsides to fruit with a little time in the glass, soft spice and some grassy vitamin. Bright acid and some easy green that seems to be fading into the wine. Easy side of full body, without feeling super dense and concentrated on the palate. Interesting construction that isn't without some 'where is this going?' thoughts.
As this opens up over the course of 3 or 4 hours, this wine really pulls itself together in a serious way. Pop and pour thoughts were not all that impressive. Now, dark black fruits and plum. Some flowery/pollenesque sweetness to the palate, but also a dried flower. Density and concentration is now apparent on the palate, with thoughts of bacon fat starting to show too.
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12/6/2011 - honest bob wrote: 87 Points
I prefered this when it was young and spunky; in middle age it is still a very good, softly-sweet rewarding Aussie treat, but perhaps a bit too meltingly juicy for its own good. Healthy blackberry-blueberry entry, seamless mid-palate, very slight residual tannic grip on the finish. The tendency towards middle-aged spread will continue: I have made a note to drink up my remaining bottles this winter before the love-handles become even more evident - but it all depends what you like. 87P
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11/21/2011 - AIB wrote: 88 Points
I think this is a decent shiraz - predictable and tasty but not low your socks off.
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11/10/2011 - Haggis wrote: 89 Points
Drank the last of my 2006s last night and did not realize until posting these notes that it's been 2 years since I last had an 06. It was worth the wait. Popped and poured. Lush crushed blueberry right out of the bottle. A tad on the acidic side, which I like and that hint of eucalyptus lingering in the shadows. Some, like me, appreciate the viognier component, which is kept to a low 4% (just right) and provides a bit more depth and floral element. This will certainly evolve with more time in the cellar, but it's drinking so well now.
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7/9/2011 - Rob-Rah wrote: 90 Points
Dark opaque. Sweat, stewed plums, leather, blackberry, cherry, mint, eucalyptus, vanilla. Very Shiraz. Rounded body. Nicely balanced. A little high on alcohol. Delicious, and far better than the 2007.
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6/17/2011 - JonGray wrote: 83 Points
Loved this rich complex shiriz - probably my favorite
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6/11/2011 - WilD wrote: 89 Points
Decanted half an hour. Dark, almost black. Dark fruit. Spicey with some freshness (viognier?). Not quiet an Aussi blockbuster but more an elegant wine. Cherry, good acid and nice aftertaste. Think this wine will last for another 2 a 3 yrs.
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6/2/2011 - honest bob wrote: 89 Points
Another fine bottle. Super-ripe blackberry, lovely soft tannins and great value at 13,75€. 89P
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5/29/2011 - Franks wijn wrote: 92 Points
Briljant, perfect taste.
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1/29/2011 - wurzel68 wrote: 89 Points
Johannisbeere und Rumtopf, fruchtig-fragile Töne und Pfefferschokolade - spannende Nase; gut gereift in der Magnum; am Gaumen mit kräftiger Säure, frisch, viel Würze, gutem Abgang; teilweise ein wenig "heiß" bei 15%...
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1/2/2011 - cbbrown3 wrote: 89 Points
Nice deep ruby color. Blackberry, blueberry, cedar, eupalyptus, licorice, vanilla, and a nice floral element on the nose. Full body with ripe, integrated tannins and good acidity. Rich, ripe, and sweet on the palate but with no over ripe elements. The oak is nicely integrated and just add nice complexity. Fairly long finish. Very tasty, but in the end, not that memorable.
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12/2/2010 - honest bob wrote: 90 Points
Rich, expressive cornucopia of XX-smallberry fruits. You name it, it's in there. The 15% alc is well integrated. Unusually strong, tangy acidity for an Aussie shiraz and not too sweet. My only gripe is that the tannins are a bit mouth-puckering and chunky. But there is so much else going on here that this is a matter of taste and food pairing (would have been better with lamb than with the beef we drank it with). In short, a fine wine and stunning value for under 14 Euros retail. 90P(-)
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11/26/2010 - gtonn wrote: 90 Points
Last bottle went on Thanksgiving. Deep purple with dark fruit on the nose. Well integrated and balanced.
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5/23/2010 - humuhumu wrote: 90 Points
Smooth, full bodied, yummy, easy
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4/15/2010 - Evil Homer wrote: 90 Points
no formal notes taken as Ijust realized I drank this about 2 months ago. I seem to remember enjoying it.
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3/20/2010 - vinodolphin wrote: 93 Points
Ruth called this the best Austrailian wine we have tasted. It was delicious and should get even better with a few years. Impressive Berry flavors and smooth distinct tannins. We started drinking before the meal and it only got better with food.
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2/21/2010 - Life At Your Leisure 🍷 wrote: 92 Points
Deep crimson color with aromas of dark cherries, blueberry and black tea. Very juicy palate that gives a lot of effort to please with hints of cherry, dark chocolate, blueberry, and tar. Quite concentrated and full-bodied with silky tannins. Great stuff for the price! Drink now until 2020.
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1/19/2010 - James Bornn wrote:
Vibrant and pungently aromatic, with deep dark fruit on the palate.I find the 06 Magpie does fall apart a bit the next day, losing much of its piercing smells and flavours, and where I once thought this was one that could be cellared I'm leaning away from putting more of this away.
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12/27/2009 - mrpalmer wrote: 92 Points
Dark, rich and balanced. Jammy. Very enjoyable.
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12/15/2009 - MystMrQ wrote: 90 Points
Always a favorite. Very dark and rich- think blueberry pie with a hint of eucalyptus (perfect description, thanks Haggis). If paired with food, go big and bold. This wine will overpower delicate or subtle flavors. On the other hand, those same characteristics make it a great wine to enjoy on its own.
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12/3/2009 - D.Callahan wrote: 91 Points
Blueberry, kirsch and licorice nose. These flavors follow through to the palate and are joined by a hint of floral and flow through a nice long finish.
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9/27/2009 - Haggis wrote: 90 Points
This is definitely not the underperfomer that WS (Steiman) seems to think it is, nor does it quite peform as Jay Miller (WA) suggests. It has great expressions of blueberry, kirsch, licorice, and cedar. Yes, there is that hint of eucalyptus that Steiman seems to pick up (what he calls "acrid") and what he, being the Aussie man for Wine Spectator, should be used to by now and be able to describe for the rest of us...but, then, I've never understood his Aussie palate. Very smooth and velvety tannins fill out this very nice wine and excellent QPR.
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8/25/2009 - neurovino wrote: 89 Points
Improved with a little air. A little more tannic than I expected. Nice wine. Nice value.
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8/2/2009 - Ombibulous wrote: 85 Points
$1.70 per ounce. The colour is inky purple. The taste is fruit! Yummy fruit. The finish is medium and tangy. Quite good (84.5).
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6/7/2009 - maxmanx wrote: 86 Points
Not impressed.
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4/24/2009 - SadEdjo wrote: 88 Points
christmas fruit cake, kirsch, cinnamon with a good crisp finish.
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4/18/2009 - pianopeter wrote: 89 Points
With Kelly and Toni. Nice bottle, great weather...
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4/4/2009 - ghnye wrote: 86 Points
Open 1 hr. One dimensional, blueberry jam all around bit of dirt/dust and smoke on the nose. Spicy and hot on the finish. Typical Aussie Shiraz. Could do better at $15.Good, enjoyable, nothing wrong with it, just not great.
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1/28/2009 - cgrimes wrote: 90 Points
Purple opaque. Nose of dark fruits, flowers, some spice. Similar palate with some plum, cassis. Extracted but a really nice wine. Nice tannins. Nicely paired with chili.
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1/24/2009 - Wino from Michigan wrote: 91 Points
This is a good wine -- great pop and drink.
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1/23/2009 - Cellar de Latour wrote:
A smidge mouth puckering upon opening but I have hope that it will smooth out. It's tasty!
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1/21/2009 - gbm wrote: 92 Points
Popped and poured. COLOR: Deep (Crayola) red-violet. Nearly opaque. NOSE: Beagn somewhat closed, possibly because it came straight out of the cellar. Opened up to hint of mint and hay - closing my eyes, I thought of a large, open field...and later very subtle vanilla and leather or tobacco notes. TASTE: Very well-rounded. Moderate, smooth tannins and acidity. The fruit was not overpowering, but it was present. Less spicy than a 100% Shiraz - as expected. Nice, long finish. OVERALL: Terrific wine. Pleasantly surprising and very enjoyable by itself. I need to buy more. (4+13+17+8)
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1/21/2009 - fingers wrote: 90 Points
Very dark black/ruby, almost 100% opaque. Substantial black currant with smaller notes of vanilla, eucalyptus, smoke, and alcohol on the nose. Medium weight and acidity, subtle and soft tannins. Flavor really delivers the major fruit-forward character of the aroma and I get a sense that these grapes were harvested at the perfect time and treated with skill and care in the winery. Beautiful long finish and overall, exceeded expectation. A definite recommend at this price. Outstanding (5+12+16+7) = 90
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1/19/2009 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Staff Tasting (Waterford Wines Milwaukee): Very expressive nose of blue fruit. All spice and clove.
palate of spice box and liquorice. So ripe. Acidity here keeps this wine alive.
McLaren - mint, eucalyptus
Barossa - full on all the time.
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1/18/2009 - al-Zabba wrote:
One of my favorite shiraz blends! Lovely dark berry fruit with eucalyptus and touches of vanilla and coconut, also with a faint smokiness at times. Medium tannin and acidity. I heartily recommend this!
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1/10/2009 - Brian1970 wrote: 88 Points
Syrupy, dark fruits, licorice and floral on the nose. On the palate, tarry blueberry, cherry, other berries, black tea, oak and smoke. Very fleshy and supported by good tannins and a medium-long finish. Overall impression is that this rewards sipping and thinking. Shiraz and Viognier - it's a loud blend, but it comes together nicely. I enjoy this whenever I drink it.
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11/30/2008 - jamieirving wrote:
Deep purple in the glass this wine shows Intense blackberry, blueberry and liquorice on the nose. The palate is pretty full on, and a little sweet. Dense black fruit, vanilla and a little background spice.
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11/16/2008 - Green wrote: 87 Points
Was expecting more from the rave review note at Costco. Definitely alcoholic and bitey. The viognier was not as present as I thought it would be.
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11/8/2008 - jakob.krummenacher@gmail.com wrote: 91 Points
Excellent shiraz with depth and complexity. Full body with plenty of aromas to entertain the palate. drink 2009-2014.
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11/1/2008 - Hazeo wrote: 86 Points
Alright, pleasant but nothing that exciting. Just fruity and ripe.
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10/31/2008 - jack21 wrote: 91 Points
Will get better with time.
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10/15/2008 - peteng wrote: 87 Points
Alcoholic and lots of dark fruit. Curious to see what happens with age
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10/7/2008 - eldiabloazul wrote: 87 Points
Huge nose. Very fragrant. Tasty stuff. Aussie fruit bomb style, but not obnoxiously fruity. Would buy again.
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10/2/2008 - James Bornn wrote:
Aromatic, but the Viognier adds aromas leaning towards peach jam and oily white flowers; there is no fresh citrusy character here. Again, the wine is spicy but in a baked sweet spice rather than zesty. Smooth and rich flavor.
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9/13/2008 - thomaslangberg wrote: 90 Points
Really good! Needs a lot of air before it opens up
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9/11/2008 - kstoddard wrote: 86 Points
A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Viognier. Pretty floral perfumed nose. Blackberry, liquorice, mint, black cherry and earth. Structure with plenty of oak tannin. Some depth but the finish is quite hot and tart.
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9/11/2008 - jeff nowak wrote: 88 Points
94% shiraz, 6% viognier. very floral with the white component. bold, but wasn't full of heat to me (kevin disagreed, what does he know?), mild oak, needs some decanting or cellar time to flesh out. good QPR, but i wouldn't buy it. same score, but i enjoyed this more than the d'arry's.
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8/15/2008 - dke wrote: 87 Points
Just had a taste, no formal notes. Too much oak but nice full bodied wine, 2005 was more structured and smooth, with juicier feel to it. Maybe it needs to be decanted for several hours or age a year or two...
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7/13/2008 - Tarrant wrote: 90 Points
This was better that I remembered in relation to our last bottle - Very dark, almost black, well concentrated with notes of black fruit, cherry, licorice, tar and vanilla on the nose, structured very well, yet elegant, mild tannins from a long aeration, smooth with excellent length (90 Points).
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6/29/2008 - amateurwino wrote: 89 Points
peppery, licorice on nose. Very tannic and tart on the palate.
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5/20/2008 - yonster24 wrote: 91 Points
I thought it to be a bit better than other CT users. Great Floral nose, with definite blueberries and cedar. Full bodied wine with tons of dark fruit and a rather long finish. I was a bit surprised at how good this was.
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5/14/2008 - soyhead wrote: 91 Points
nose -rosemary or other herbs (rather unusual and interesting).
mouth - red fruits and herbal notes
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5/7/2008 - DOF wrote: 90 Points
Loved the fruit; very smooth long finish. Didn't taste the complexity others mention. Seemed more one dimensional fruit bomb. Still worth buying again.
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5/3/2008 - groper1234 wrote: 87 Points
Good wine but nothing spectacular. Unmemoriable wine. I returned my remaining bottles. Abit hazy colour, abit too much viognier. I prefer galvo garage 2005
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3/22/2008 - Vinacull wrote: 86 Points
First let me say we are big fans of D'Arenburg, and loved the '03 Laughing Magpie - think it deserved every point from RP. Aeration decant and pour. Dark magenta, but a bit lighter in color than the '05. Interestingly some of the '05 bottles we drank last year showed considerable sediment already, but this '06 shows none. Effuvious nose as always, but of medicine/bandaid, alcohol, citrus, dark fruit, and floral component - in that order. Good rasberries and blackberries on the attack, but the midpalate and relatively short drying finish are affected by zest of tangerine that is obviously the contribution of the 6% Viognier. Based on this bottle, the varietal marriage is awkward, not as great as previous years. Will buy & try another in 6 months or so to see if it shows better.
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3/3/2008 - thetong wrote: 89 Points
Nose - a bit closed, some flower scents, some fruit. Strong upfront, lots of dark fruit. Solid in the mid-palate. A bit more medium bodied than the 2003-2005. Definitely less floral on the finish than the 2003 and 2004, which was a bit dissapointing. Nice finish, structured but not overpowering tannins. Did not fare well after a day, became harshly acidic and lost the little floral notes I found. Finish lasted about 30 seconds and then dropped off rapidly. If you can find it around $20US it's a great buy. 89-90.
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3/2/2008 - jamesdoeser wrote: 84 Points
spicy blackcurrant fruit. not as floral as would have expected - ah well. still fairly good if little over-powerful for my tastes.
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2/28/2008 - GolferChris wrote: 90 Points
Great value. This wine has a beautiful nose of flowers, spice and dark fruit. Lovely ripe extracted fruit in the mouth with a bit of complexity for the price point. Another fine effort.
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2/27/2008 - Tarrant wrote: 88 Points
This was very difficult to judge with the overly spicy sausage meal we had with it - It was dark purple/black, concentrated, notes of black fruit, pepper, flowers, spice and vanilla on the nose, the Viognier definitely gave this a different edge, perhaps a bit more feminine, with a long finish (88 Points).
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2/16/2008 - JonnyB wrote: 90 Points
medium dark in color, somewhat spicy and aromatic nose, very balanced and expressive with full red fruit flavor, a tiny bit hot.
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2/16/2008 - KriLis wrote: 85 Points
Very accessible right after popping the cork, and gets even better given time.
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2/2/2008 - Gulelin wrote: 89 Points
Nose was very good, but the palate didn't quite deliver.
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1/24/2008 - aveeck wrote: 90 Points
COLOR - like a good shiraz, dark blood red. SMELL- wonderful, rich bouquet of shiraz nose, grapey and fruity. TASTE - powerful on palate, with rich raisin flavors; I am not certan this will age well, as it is already remarkably drinkable at this young age, like many Aussie wines. RATING - 90.
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1/22/2008 - lk wrote: 89 Points
Nice nose of dark fruit and spice. Wine was not up to the first impression and seemed to fade a bit quickly. All in all, good value for the money.
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1/12/2008 - mimik wrote: 90 Points
Nose of spicy black plum, licorice, blueberry and cherry jam with hints of smoke. Not very tannic and less acidic than previous vintages with fresh blackberry and blueberry notes on a tangy medium long finish. Enjoyable right now and shows more restraint and elegant than the couple of previous Magpie vintages.
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12/4/2007 - jasonh wrote:
Aussie Shiraz Shootout: Wine # 3: Okay … complexity … novel idea. Aromatics showed minerals and flower elements along with the fruit. It was Bordeaux to me. Showed much better acidity than the previous two. There was also a nice amount of tannins. Great balance. Needs a few years. (7,0,0 = 35 points) Group # 1, my # 1
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11/28/2007 - jgboylewinecountry wrote: 90 Points
This wine was tasted immediately after pulling the cork. The color of the wine was dark purple almost black with a rim of violet,very beautiful in the glass.The nose screamed of sweet dark fruits. Taste confirmed the sweetness although it was almost a bit too much candied fruit.Nice length and finish. I look forward to tasting it again after a little time to open up.
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11/27/2007 - soyhead wrote:
inky
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11/10/2007 - isaacjamesbaker wrote: 91 Points
pitch color with a luscious nose of candied cherry and blueberry. full bodied with ripe tannins and a lot of blueberry pie, cherry and dark chocolate, with even some black tea elements. there is a balanced amount of toasty oak. not life-changing, but this is a very yummy wine. 14.5% alcohol. 90% shiraz and 10% viognier, which were co-fermented and aged for 12 months in french and american oak. this is still a baby and could use a few years for sure.
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10/1/2007 - asiabear wrote: 88 Points
Good nose though slightly odd blend. Decent color. Very drinkable though not spectacular.
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9/18/2007 - soyhead wrote: 90 Points
an aromatic and fruity nose followed by a mouthful of phat fruit, good structure, with a long finish yummy.
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1/28/2007 - Cellar de Latour wrote:
Best chilled. Try again with a summer BBQ.
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