After 14 years, still garnet-purple and completely opaque, with the slightest amber edge. Very pronounced aromas of pure blackberries with some oak, really nothing else. Big "smash-mouth" jammy, concentrated and dense wine, viscous, with some tannin but staying back behind the fruit. Also has high acidity and definitely high alcohol. Aftertaste very rich, full, hot, and long. This was one of Sarah and Sparkey's best wines, considering quality and price point. This has huge fruit and power, without complexity or elegance, but an outstanding example of the particular style. Ric
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This is my 6th bottle from a purchase made in 2009 and my concerns about the heat on the nose from my early reviews are gone and this wine is quite enjoyable, if you like the fairly intense fruit-forward, meaty/spicy style.
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A score not given lightly. Kept at 55F, this McLaren Vale special did not disappoint. Bursting with vivant berry flavor and balanced with undertones of pleasant tannins, this is, simply, a spectacular wine.
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Excellent, at its peak, has smoothed out since release. Still very fragrant and full-bodied but nicely balanced. Long aftertaste. Won't fade any time soon. Ric
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7/20/2021 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 97 Points
After 14 years, still garnet-purple and completely opaque, with the slightest amber edge. Very pronounced aromas of pure blackberries with some oak, really nothing else. Big "smash-mouth" jammy, concentrated and dense wine, viscous, with some tannin but staying back behind the fruit. Also has high acidity and definitely high alcohol. Aftertaste very rich, full, hot, and long. This was one of Sarah and Sparkey's best wines, considering quality and price point. This has huge fruit and power, without complexity or elegance, but an outstanding example of the particular style.
Ric
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6/6/2021 - europat55 wrote: 91 Points
This is my 6th bottle from a purchase made in 2009 and my concerns about the heat on the nose from my early reviews are gone and this wine is quite enjoyable, if you like the fairly intense fruit-forward, meaty/spicy style.
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11/22/2020 - ashife Likes this wine: 93 Points
Still a lot of kick. Needs a good amount of decanting, but beautiful balance once ready.
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1/25/2020 - Altonplace Likes this wine: 95 Points
A score not given lightly. Kept at 55F, this McLaren Vale special did not disappoint. Bursting with vivant berry flavor and balanced with undertones of pleasant tannins, this is, simply, a spectacular wine.
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7/13/2019 - Ex-Ray Likes this wine: 95 Points
Excellent, at its peak, has smoothed out since release. Still very fragrant and full-bodied but nicely balanced. Long aftertaste. Won't fade any time soon.
Ric
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