May 7, 2024 - I am not sure if it was a bit more age or perhaps the setting or this particular bottle but the last of these in my cellar was by far the best. Ripe concentrated fruit as mentioned before but now it sits perfectly with the oak and acid which has integrated well. It is a very big wine that has finally become what, I expect, the maker intended (J. Maltus).
October 3, 2019 - Typical full bodied Barossa Shiraz. Drinking well now but still has a couple of years ahead
August 28, 2018 - In surprisingly good shape if you can deal with a lot of wood. Cold weather suits this ripe, boozy, oaky barossa flagship from the now defunct Colonial Estate. Less time in wood would have produced a much better result, the oak tannin being the major downfall. Fruit was good quality, dense and a touch overipe but true to the vintage. Not my style but credit for effort.
November 12, 2016 - Decent wine, but no more. Nose of mulberries, red dirt, cedar and some alcoholic heat. Palate is savoury - almost into bitter but not quite for me - with mulberries, red plums, cocoa, black olive and silty tannins to close. Its just a bit clumsy in style, and the alcohol protrudes on the finish. Drink now or within the next 2-3 years, with food.
April 4, 2016 - Couple hours in the decanter. Think this has a bit of time ahead of it, didn't fancy it as much as the 08 as it is still a bit bitter, but very drinkable wine nevertheless.
November 14, 2015 - Ticking along nicely
October 18, 2015 - In the decanter for 2 hrs prior to drinking. Quite a nice wine really, stylish dark berry forward, even mouth coating and a good medium finish. Not in a rush to finish these.
January 17, 2015 - Silky soft with finesse and long taste of rasp flavours. Elegant yet power to cellar for 5 years beautiful wine of outstanding quality from the Barossa
December 19, 2014 - Porty on nose and despite its 15% alcohol, this is a balanced wine. Firm tannins with the primary fruit taste starting to fade.
December 5, 2013 - Lovely fruit driven shiraz, but nothing is overdone at all. The palate is full of lovely dark fruit, some vanilla and a good amount of minearlity and acid in a long finish make me think that this will go for some time. Will be leaving the rest of these for a little while.