December 1, 2023 - drank 20 minutes after decanting. Initially this was lean, without much fruit other than some black plums. Acidic both on the nose and on the palate, which was surprising. About 40 minutes in there was more vanilla and oak showing on the nose, while being sweeter on the palate, too. More than 1 hour and 40 minutes in, the tannins were still showing here and continued to accumulate on the tongue with additional sips.
October 28, 2023 - Mature and rich but lacking the expected depth and complexity for well-stored 98. Doesn’t feel like it is fading but no reason to cellar longer. Fairly rustic (rather than sweet) tannins and very low acidity - have with casual/BBQ steak as a pop and pour it’s enjoyable but don’t expect something special. Fine but functional. Drink up, 89pts
April 23, 2023 - Dark red. Not a lot of fruit but still well integrated and an excellent accompaniment to a steak dinner.
January 5, 2023 - I read the previous ratings, knowing I had this single bottle left so I figured I would open it as we were grilling NY Strips for dinner. Purchased the bottle down under and brought back to the states. Opened with an ah so opener but it didn't need it, cork was in near perfect shape with hardly any saturation. Popped and poured, first taste was very acidic with little fruit and mostly earthy characteristics. I was just going to give up so we set it aside and revisited after dinner. Three hours later the wine was singing!! Wonderful fruit came forward, secondary graphite flavors and a nice round mouthfeel. If you still have some, give it time and air and it should reward you.
March 14, 2021 - Dense purple with a rusty sheen. Nose was a bit bretty at first but this blew off to reveal primarily autumnal notes of a mature shiraz. Palate was disappointing as the fruit had mostly sailed a few years ago leaving a rather uninspired shell. Sad considering the purchase price and years this had been cellared. Worked through a glass and reluctantly poured the rest away.
September 2, 2019 - Past it's peak but still really enjoyable. Great black and blue fruit along with smoke really showed through. Acid and structure were still there.
April 2, 2019 - Sadly, the wine was gone. The first sip was questionable, minutes later with the second sip I had some optimism, but by the third sip at ten minutes post-opening I knew she was a goner. So sad . . . .
March 29, 2018 - Drinking perfectly right now. Big, bold and very smooth. Fruit has really held up well. Should continue to go strong for 3-4 more years.
January 29, 2017 - I really like this wine. This rich plummy wine still has a tannic edge and seems like it could go for 5 or more years. That being said, I am scratching my head to understand what impelled me to spend $130 on this bottle when I purchased it in 2002. In the US, Carlilse and Alban produce wines like this that are just as good for a fraction of the cost.
August 29, 2016 - Dark purple. Nose is heavy on dark berry jam, but also dusty and quite complex. Gorgeous sweetness on the palate with just enough grip and high end presence. Resonant. Pleasant soy sauce accent. A great dinner wine. 4