This straddles the line of greatness and over the top. Powerful aromatics of spice and black fruit compote. Had the slightest herbal streak at first, but blew off. Blueberries, smoke, and smoked meats too. The palate is equally as rich with moderate tannin structure, but a nice core of rich black fruits, blueberry pie, and spices. At 16.6%, it doesn't show hot at all. Nicely done.

It's been about 2 years since I've had this last, and it is showing quite a bit better right now. It still has a nice core of ripe red cherry and currants, alongside nice warm spices, slight earthiness, and a great balance of tannin structure and acidity. While not necessarily powerful, it has an intensity that delivers from start to finish..

Decanted, unfortunately probably not long enough. Consumed over a 5 hour period and it definintely got better and changed throughout the night. The aromatics were the most disappointing. Anyway, rich black currants, cedar, and smoke with a graphite pencil lead thing going on. Powerfully young palate of tannin, toast, and mocha. Acidity was impressive. Good, but it will get so much better with time in bottle.

HaHa, I rarely drink Aussie Sheeeraz, Hutch I hope you're reading, this is fantastic. It is so over the top, so extracted and viscous. Rich blackberry syrup, blueberries, and spice. The oak is very toasty offering vanilla and chocolate. Very spicy finish. Super rich and intense. Amazingly doesn't finish hot, even though it's pushing 16% abv. I'm glad we finished the night with this one, because I can't imagine drinking anything else after this, it would have tasted like water!!

Well, while it's not fair to compare this with the '05 Angelus, it certainly showed better tonight. Definitely done in a more modern style. Very toasty nose with espresso, currants, and smoke. The texture on this is fantastic. Silky with moderately dusty tannins, blueberries and currants, finishing with a burst of acidity, almost jammy. I believe Parker said it should last 30+ years, but I think that might be pushing it by about 15 years.