November 13, 2023 - Leaf Day - Stelvin cap - As the back label stated it was bottled unfiltered I decanted it off about a tablespoon of fine sediment. Still dark cherry/garnet at the core which extends out to a crimson edge. Little development showing. Right after decanting the nose is dense dark blue and black fruit with a touch of funk and some light spice. On the palate it’s very smooth and much lighter than I expected with light red fruit flavours. There’s some light tannins left and a touch of herby green tang. The finish is warming with spice along with the red and now some blue fruit. Will see what happens when it gets some air.
An hour later - I wouldn’t call this jammy or over alcoholic/extracted - it’s now showing red florals, spice and (perhaps) some lightly overripe dark fruit but there’s a lot of elegance on the palate - it’s become savoury and serious with red/black fruit, herbs, spice and floral elements. Quite honestly, it’s a great New World example of showing Old World characteristics. Could it be confused as Old World? Never! But… it’s elegant and sophisticated with fruit.
Two Days later - Leaf Day - Nose shows blue and black fruit and spice with a hint of leather and just a titch of floral. On the palate there’s a herb/fruit combo happening where they’re co-joined but then the herb drops and the fruit comes to the fore with some leather, spice and floral notes - especially on the long finish. There is still some ripe tannins in here and the acidity balances the ripe fruit. Really an interesting wine and I wish I could have followed it a little longer but the bottle is done.
April 28, 2019 - Corked (without cork)...severe alcohol bite.
December 3, 2018 - This was an over-extracted mess.
September 13, 2018 - Gorgeous balance of berries with a hint of tannin. Slightly sweet, but doesn't detract from the taste, but not as truly full a mouth as pricier Shiraz offerings. Fantastic QPR.
June 15, 2017 - Ok but somewhat boring for me. Maybe going through a 'dumb' phase?
December 31, 2015 - - Brick color - Delicate aromas of dark berries. Taste is anything but. Cherries, tobacco and pepper notes dominate. Longish finish with a spicy tinge. Excellent.
October 13, 2014 - Dark reddish purple black in color with a fruity nose highlighted by impressions of menthol, rubber, tobacco and oak. The palate is full, rich and balance with notes of dark blueberries, blackberries, currant, dark chocolate, black pepper and a very strong earthy mineral profile in the order of crush rocks and ink. A wonderful wine - rich powerful yet beautifully nuanced. Excellent value.
September 10, 2014 - One of the Best Wine to the Price.
Have serve it to Manu People and everybody likes it.
November 2, 2013 - Too young, too early to drink this. Big and full bodied, typical spice and pepper in the mid palate, good length. If possible, double decant this.
September 20, 2013 - Smooth shiraz