1998 Stephen John Shiraz

A wine that has an impressive pedigree, but does not quite delivers the results on the palate and this could probably be ascertained from the colour of the wine. The expected brilliant crimson red, purple hues are missing and a deep crimson, brick red hue is evident. The nose displays aromas of earth, mint, spice, stewed fruit and a touch of 'old fashioned farmyard' at the end. The grapes are sourced from a dry grown vineyard and made using open ferment, with hand plunging and basket pressed. The palate is firmly structured and lighter than expected, given the sort of wines their 'neighbours' managed to produce in 1998. Very firm, dry tannic grip which lasts long into the aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years.

Retasted April 2000

Not as complex as the reserve Shiraz, but none the less an impressive red with a pronounced plum and blackpepper background. Deep crimson, mauve colour. Aroma of spice, plum, vanilla, earth and stewed fruit with a blackpepper end note.On the palate there is good weight with flavour of spice, plum and blackpepper dominating. Fine grained soft tannins, followed by blackpepper, earth and spice aftertaste. Cellar 4-5 years.