2003 Torbreck The Struie Shiraz

Re-tasted 15/1/16:
Impenetrable midnight black dark red colour with a dark red black tinged hue. Pronounced liquorice top notes are followed by dark plum, toasty vanillin oak, scorched earth and spice aromas. Rich and possessing  a very silky mouthfeel the palate has initial flavours of liquorice and dark chocolate but then falls away a little towards the finish with toasty oak, earth, leather and spice following. Velvet smooth tannins. Aftertaste of liquorice, toasty oak, scorched earth and spicy leather. The toasty oak and tertiary flavours are just starting to move in the fruit so drink now.

Originally Tasted January 2006:
Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Aroma of vanilla, liquorice allsorts, ripe plums and spice. Flavours of stewed plum, spice and liquorice on the palate are supported by fine, dry  chalky tannins, which are a touch too dominant at this stage. Aftertaste of vanilla, plum and spice.
Cellar 3-4 years (2009-2010)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
90 points 

Other Reviews….
The 2003 The Struie is a 4,000-case blend of cooler climate, high altitude EdenValley fruit combined with small amounts of Barossa grapes. Aged 8 months in wood (20% new), it is a deep, chewy, fleshy effort displaying floral, peppery, incense notes intermixed with white chocolate, blackberry, and black currant characteristics. Consume it over the next 7-8 years.
93 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate