96 points - Wine Pilot (Tony Love) 'This so unmistakably peak McLaren Vale Shiraz in all its mannerisms. Imbued with a generous powdering of mocha creaminess threading around its black fruit core, there’s something else going on here, an identifiable iron/blacksmithy character in the nasals, before spilling into a rich, generously fruited, mid-to-full bodied Shiraz with plenty of spice and sweetly supportive tannins. Lots to appreciate, a wine to go back and forth to sip after sip for ongoing intrigue, and with all its minutae in play now, it’s a terrific bet for future explorations in 5 to 10 to 20 years. What a joy!'
Vino Masters Score: 95 points ★★★★★ Powerful and structured Drink now to 2031
'Deep crimson with an opaque, inky core.The nose is bold and concentrated, showing blackberry and dark plum layered with dark chocolate, espresso and savoury oak.Full-bodied and powerful, the palate delivers concentrated dark fruit with blackcurrant and black cherry supported by firm, mouth-coating tannins. Layers of mocha, spice and dark chocolate build through the mid-palate, while the oak contributes structure and savoury complexity. The finish is long, rich and persistent.A powerful McLaren Vale Shiraz showing depth and concentration.'
95 points (Outstanding Quality) - Wine Orbit 'It's gorgeously fruited and expressive on the nose, with dark-fruit intensity, cured meat, thyme, rich floral, and roasted hazelnut aromas. The palate is equally satisfying with excellent concentration, plush texture, and refined tannins, finishing wonderfully long and structured with loads of delectable flavours.'
94 points - Wine Pilot (Ken Gargett) 'McLaren Vale Shiraz from an excellent producer and a stellar vintage, hard to go wrong. The colour is a black/ blue hue. On the nose we have notes of mocha, coffee beans, bay leaves, aniseed, blackberries, chocolate and cocoa powder. A wine of power and focus, it is of medium weight with mouthcoating tannins. There is an entrancing plushness, pleasing generosity and very good length here and the wine will age and improve over the next ten to twelve years. Impressive stuff.'
