June 12, 2021 - Nose: 92-93; Palate: 90-91
May 28, 2020 - Not on a downward slope. This showed incredibly. A jolly rancher on the pallette this was holding up wonderfully. Very enjoyable. Totally unexpected from an old Shiraz blend.
January 9, 2013 - Drinking wonderfully. Dominated by the cabernet in a good way. Very well integrated fruit. Would NOT have called this as having both shiraz and grenache in it. Going much stronger than expected. At least 5 if not more years of life left in this. Exciting!
January 20, 2011 - This time it was ready to go from the start. Nice slightly sweet fruit with enough stuffing to last a while longer but in the sweet spot now. This is very well balanced and not an oooze monster.
March 29, 2010 - Slow O'd from 8 am until 8 pm with the cork back in it during that time. Gorgeous interesting spicy wine. Lots of sweet red berry fruit with eucalyptus and a long finish. Grenache, Shiraz and Cabernet. An interesting combination. Great texture to this wine. This was my only bottle and it performed better than expected.
March 11, 2010 - Decanted for 1 hour prior to drinking. It's got more smoke and velvet than fruit. Enjoyable and meaty. I think this one is on it's downward slope, so drink it up!
February 4, 2010 - Dinner at home. All wood, no fruit right out of the bottle but after about 1 hr it was integrated nicely. Lovely shiraz, not over the top or in your face. Drinking beautifully right now. Very creamy with toasty oak flavors from the American wood.
November 23, 2009 - hot raspberry cough syrup. i'll try again tonight to see if gets any better. a big yuck.
October 30, 2009 - If you pop and pour you will be disappointed. While good (85pts) when opened it was a little thin. With a couple hours of air it really filled out and was much better. Can't see much improvement with these so decant and drink up. 2nd night - again really good!
October 26, 2009 - 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape vs. Aussie GSM Blindtasting: Color: Crimson-violet with very slight bricking at the edge. Nose: Plums, cherry liqueur, slightly earthy, some spice. Palate: Deep dark fruit flavors with nice length. Seems to be very highly extracted. Tasty. 92 points. My #3, Group #1.