January 8, 2023 - 2 hour decant. Nice nose of tar, black fruit, hints of gravel. On the palate it balanced. Red, ripe and black fruit, tar, gravel all showcasing a more subtle take on full throttle Barossa Shiraz. It is in a sweet spot to drink, especially paired with a good steak. Good length. Punches above it's weight. Great vintage. Old vines. Drink now to 2024 before the fruit fades too much.
January 20, 2019 - Day 1: Subtle floral notes along with berries, chocolate and thyme. Palate is offering bright fruits, good acidity and chocolate. Medium plus finish. Very balanced and excellent value for $16. Drink now based on this pop and pour. 91 points
Day 2: Nose is very subtle overall on day 2. Floral, berries, dark chocolate and pepper on the palate/finish. Good acidity on this medium plus finish. I don't enjoy this as much on day 2 and predict this is on the end of its drinking window unless day 3 says otherwise. 89 points
June 6, 2018 - Plenty of alcohol on the nose, also evident in the mouth. The dominant flavour was dark chocolate which overpowered any other flavours. A very one-dimensional wine.
May 6, 2018 - Drinks great now , no reason to hold
August 6, 2017 - A nice GSM (the CDP recipe)... has been better in previous years, but pretty good. I won't rush out to buy a case (our criterion with tryers) but we liked it with dinner.
February 17, 2016 - Drunk by the glass, at Pudong Shangri La. Nose was quiet mute and not offering much. Palate was better, showing plum, dark chocolate, pepper and spice. Creamy oak showing through the very ripe, lush, heavy fruit. I felt it had good acid, but the fruit was so heavy it lacked freshness and one glass was enough for me.
If you like big rich Aussie abroad, could be worth trying
January 16, 2016 - Thick and rich, but simplistic and lacking differentiation or real pleasure.