August 6, 2023 - Dark purples and garnet still, with the appropriate degree of fading on the rim for a 15 year old.
Ageing slowly and fairly gracefully. Lots of fresh dark fruits still. But definitely warrants decanting and breathing up to dispel the initial barnyard funk, as other reviewers note.
Raspberry, dark cherries, perhaps blackberry squished in there too. Tilled earth, spice and a hint of tar. A potent cooler climate Shiraz nose, still.
Same on the palate. Fruit retains vitality - pretty damned good for its age, price point ($35 back in the day) and status as a super second. Quite dark, brooding characters on the palate, with a lick of that tar.
Not quite the detailed finesse and complexity of its big brother, the SV. The tannins are firmer, a touch chalky and clenching. But the fruit and savoury trimmings power on.
In the zone but plenty of time ahead if you choose. The only question is whether the tannin will yield as the fruit mellows. But we’re talking well down the track, over 10 years. This character offers a lot of good drinking before then.
February 14, 2022 - Seemed disjointed at first. Noticeable acidity and slightly farmyardy. After a good decant and some air it improved out of sight. Integrated, rich, acid/alcohol balance just right, a subtle touch of tannin remaining, really lovely.
June 6, 2021 - In a very good place. Vibrant colours still, touch of fading on the rim.
Sophisticated nose. Fresh forest fruits, almost bread & butter pudding (straight out of Mum’s oven), then a touch of complexity and age, tanned leather hide, tilled earth. Seductive stuff.
Sleek palate. Nose repeats, with classic Canberra cooler climate acid tingle refreshing proceedings. Fine lines with the right degree of grip to deal with protein. For a hot year, all in order and accounted for, Sergeant Major. Great value for a ‘second’ wine.
April 9, 2020 - Classic Canberra Shiraz. Rich dark fruits and berry flavours.
April 21, 2018 - Tight at first, but after an hour and decant it came around. Slightly burnt nose and acrid mouth feel at first, but faded to strong Syrah finish. Very nice. Side by side with a 2007 Hermitage from Chave, which of course took the evening prize
June 4, 2017 - Primary flavours fading and some nice savoury notes coming through. Don't think there is improvement in this but will probably hold on for a bit.
February 6, 2017 - I tasted this immediately following the current vintage (2015) O'Riada.
Impressive to see the amazingly forward berries and spice of the '15 have mellowed consistently to reveal an overall deliciously blended cool climate shiraz.
Deep garnet rapidly thinning out towards the top. Light legs. Musty bookshelves, black pepper, subdued berries. Not a lingering finish, but not short either. Would easily suit lamb, beef, venison.
Well done Tim.
July 31, 2014 - Still seems very young. Floral aromas - maybe violets? Still quite fruity but integrated, balanced and flavoursome. Cherries, white pepper, and more but hard to describe apart from everything in balance. Not in danger of falling over but drinking very well too. Beautiful.
May 21, 2012 - A sensational addition to beef wellington - dark red fruits, bracken fern and pepper
March 5, 2011 - Needs more time, not quite as integrated as a fine cote du rhone, a little on the fruit. Nice mouth feel, and good, but not long, finish.