Purchased way back when and perfectly cellared. Purple color with a red/blue tinted rim. Scents of cedar, cranberry, vanilla and cement lifted by a touch of VA, although this is complementary rather than vinegary. On the palate the tannins seem to be fully resolved. As I remember, this was a tannic beast in its youth. Now its fruit and flavor are carried by a good level of acidity. Finishes smooth, but lively, and a bit dry with fine grained tannins and cranberry flavors on the medium length finish. On a long slow decline as the once powerful blue - black fruit has faded. Best as an accompaniment to a piece of grilled beef. Old style Aussie Shiraz.
After a couple of days in the open bottle under a blanket of argon this has evolved positively. The fruit has come forward with a mouthful of juicy black raspberry. The acidity has calmed down and integrated as has the cedary oak both now in a supporting role leaving the wine much more balanced and enjoyable. This still has a long life ahead of it. Score revised upward to 90.
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Still a very nice vino at age 25! Fruit has hint of dark but mostly red fruit. Noticeable acidity but not too sharp, a lovely texture in the mouth ....only 1 remaining ....the end of the line! Enjoyed more than when tried in 2019 and 2017.
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Once a great wine but now past it’s best. Still plenty of red fruit flavour and some acidity but not a lot of body. Only have 2 remaining but not optimistic they will be better.
Its been eight years since our last published tasting notes of this vintage release. While still holding its own after 23 years, this too is showing its age as the berry fruits turn to tones of raisin, fig and tobacco.
Dark full flavor, over ripe berry, raisin, notes of blueberry, plum fruit, with spice and anise. Showing age on opening but opened and softened with a long full complex finish.
This frontal assault of raisiny fruits was a bit over the top for Bill, not for the feint of heart, but the blueberry tones still reveal themselves - almost bordering on notes of a Port, this was well suited for after dinner with the dark chocolate deserts and hearty cheeses over the grilled steak dinner.
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11/9/2023 - Pinotfanbg wrote: 90 Points
Purchased way back when and perfectly cellared. Purple color with a red/blue tinted rim. Scents of cedar, cranberry, vanilla and cement lifted by a touch of VA, although this is complementary rather than vinegary. On the palate the tannins seem to be fully resolved. As I remember, this was a tannic beast in its youth. Now its fruit and flavor are carried by a good level of acidity. Finishes smooth, but lively, and a bit dry with fine grained tannins and cranberry flavors on the medium length finish. On a long slow decline as the once powerful blue - black fruit has faded. Best as an accompaniment to a piece of grilled beef. Old style Aussie Shiraz.
After a couple of days in the open bottle under a blanket of argon this has evolved positively. The fruit has come forward with a mouthful of juicy black raspberry. The acidity has calmed down and integrated as has the cedary oak both now in a supporting role leaving the wine much more balanced and enjoyable. This still has a long life ahead of it. Score revised upward to 90.
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4/29/2023 - Bonesetter wrote: flawed
Corked. A serious disappointment from a wine I had high hopes for.
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4/13/2020 - peter.mancell@mfg.com.au Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still a very nice vino at age 25!
Fruit has hint of dark but mostly red fruit. Noticeable acidity but not too sharp, a lovely texture in the mouth ....only 1 remaining ....the end of the line!
Enjoyed more than when tried in 2019 and 2017.
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4/23/2019 - peter.mancell@mfg.com.au wrote: 90 Points
Once a great wine but now past it’s best.
Still plenty of red fruit flavour and some acidity but not a lot of body.
Only have 2 remaining but not optimistic they will be better.
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11/11/2018 - rmcnees wrote: 87 Points
Its been eight years since our last published tasting notes of this vintage release. While still holding its own after 23 years, this too is showing its age as the berry fruits turn to tones of raisin, fig and tobacco.
Dark full flavor, over ripe berry, raisin, notes of blueberry, plum fruit, with spice and anise. Showing age on opening but opened and softened with a long full complex finish.
This frontal assault of raisiny fruits was a bit over the top for Bill, not for the feint of heart, but the blueberry tones still reveal themselves - almost bordering on notes of a Port, this was well suited for after dinner with the dark chocolate deserts and hearty cheeses over the grilled steak dinner.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2018/11/family-dinner-features-vintage-napa.html
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