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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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scent of Roses, raspberies, cracked pepper, cinamon, spice and dried dark fruits. the palate is powdery and soft tannins follow by vanilla, spice and mocca. Enjoyed it with beef wellington with a couple of close friends.
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A fresh spicy bouquet of red current, cherry and clove. There is ample tannin and acid on the palate, which reveals some stalky complexity. It's medium bodied and moderately long.
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{screwcap, 14%} A purple/ruby colour. Classy nose of cinnamon & cloves, spice and a lifted viognier sweetness. Avoids seeming too sickly or one-dimensional. The palate is voluptuous without being lumpy; the finest powdery tannins caress the ripe spicy fruits; the warmth of the viognier offsets any real evidence of cool-climate characters. The wine is silkily medium-bodied, with good coverage along the palate, acid in check, and a beguiling medium-length finish. A persistent and pleasing wine. Lacks the spine to be a long-term ager, but ought to be lovely for the next 5-8 years.
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8/6/2023 - Dr S wrote: 93 Points
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.
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2/14/2022 - john_s Likes this wine:
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.
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6/6/2021 - Dr S Likes this wine: 95 Points
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.
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4/9/2020 - EdLark Likes this wine: 93 Points
Classic Canberra Shiraz. Rich dark fruits and berry flavours.
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4/21/2018 - bacchusnyon wrote:
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
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6/4/2017 - brisbane piefan Likes this wine: 92 Points
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.
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2/6/2017 - captainwb wrote: 92 Points
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.
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7/31/2014 - brisbane piefan Likes this wine: 94 Points
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.
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5/21/2012 - ... wrote:
A sensational addition to beef wellington - dark red fruits, bracken fern and pepper
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3/5/2011 - bacchusnyon wrote: 89 Points
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.
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9/2/2010 - kwattro wrote: 90 Points
scent of Roses, raspberies, cracked pepper, cinamon, spice and dried dark fruits. the palate is powdery and soft tannins follow by vanilla, spice and mocca. Enjoyed it with beef wellington with a couple of close friends.
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8/23/2010 - JonathanP wrote: 89 Points
A fresh spicy bouquet of red current, cherry and clove. There is ample tannin and acid on the palate, which reveals some stalky complexity. It's medium bodied and moderately long.
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6/22/2010 - graemeg Likes this wine:
{screwcap, 14%} A purple/ruby colour. Classy nose of cinnamon & cloves, spice and a lifted viognier sweetness. Avoids seeming too sickly or one-dimensional. The palate is voluptuous without being lumpy; the finest powdery tannins caress the ripe spicy fruits; the warmth of the viognier offsets any real evidence of cool-climate characters. The wine is silkily medium-bodied, with good coverage along the palate, acid in check, and a beguiling medium-length finish. A persistent and pleasing wine. Lacks the spine to be a long-term ager, but ought to be lovely for the next 5-8 years.
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10/1/2009 - chatters wrote: 83 Points
Wine-Ark Cellar Club Tasting 9 - October 2009. Clonakilla, Yering Station, Olivier Taringa (Roof Terrace Australian Museum): Nose: Slightly acrid, not much nose, perhaps something like raisin?
Mouth: grippy tannin and that's it.
AUD35 Nope!
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8/31/2009 - CamWheeler wrote: 89 Points
Musk, cherry and floral aromas. Medium bodied palate with good length and some sweet red fruit. Drinking nicely already.
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