118 products

Magnums

    • 99
    2004 Clarendon Hills Romas Vineyard Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2014-2016)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    A magnificent Grenache and the pick of the set.  This is what Clarendon Hills is about - concentration, power and a sensational drinking experience.  Opaque black crimson colour with deep black crimson mauve hue.  Superb, lifted nose of violets and raspberry followed by spice, blackberry juice and vanilla.  Velvet smooth palate structure, with magnificent power - flavours of white pepper, blood plum and raspberry concentrate.  Strong re-emergence of white pepper on the back palate.  Great length and depth.
    Cellar 8-10 years (2014-2016)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Robert Parkers Review:
    The top Grenache cuvee (essentially a selection of the finest fruit from the Blewitt Springs vineyard) is the 2004 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard. Cropped at 1/2 ton of fruit per acre, it boasts a deep ruby color, fabulous density, and a big, earthy bouquet of loamy soil, minerals, black raspberries, kirsch liqueur, flowers, and spice box. With great intensity as well as purity, and an expansive, savory mouthfeel, it is a fabulous offering to drink over the next 10-12 years.
    (94-96) Points
    Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)

    • 100
    2003 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $1200. 00
    Bottle
    $14400.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 30 - 50 Years (2034-2054)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    A monument of a wine, which has not been made for elderly drinkers. This is a drink for future generations – the sort of wine that might be served up to commemorate your great judgment as a wine collector by your grand children. Matured in 100% new Burgundian Nevers oak. The 2003 Astralis is the tightest of the recent vintages and a perfect expression of the long slow low yielding ripening year. The Burgundian oak staves have been air dried for 3 years and fired over a relatively cool flame, avoiding any charry contribution to the flavour profile.
    Totally black purple colour – a complete saturate. Magnificent nose of anise, violets, blackberry and spice. A wine with the tannin structure of the Piggott Range yet with the palate voluptuousness of the Hickinbotham. Explosive, mouth filling concentrate of black pepper, blackberry and white pepper. Fine firm tannins which are highly bound with the fruit. Again a triumph for Clarendon Hills and a definitive expression of Romans ability and obsession with winemaking, more than justifying Robert Parker’s lavish praises.
    Cellar 30-50 years (2034-2054)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%
    Rating: 100/100

    • 99
    2001 Clarendon Hills Piggott Range Vineyard Syrah (Shiraz) Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $499. 00
    Bottle
    $5988.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2012-2017)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The Piggott Range vineyard vines are 25-30 years old, and are planted in rock and shale, with only 10-13 mm top soil. The vine roots work hard to establish themselves and force their way downwards between cracks in the rock and shale to find water. The yields are extremely low at one tonne per acre. The Piggott Syrah is matured in 100% new French oak barriques.

    Tasting Note: (Tasted early 2000s) Totally opaque black, purple, crimson colour. Superb lifted nose, even more intense than the previous wines. Lifted notes of plum concentrate, blackpepper, spice, blackberry, violets and earth. A sniffers paradise! The palate overwhelms. This is concentration plus, and its hard to believe that the Astralis could surpass this flavour profile. Concentrated flavours of liquorice, blackberry and spice, with a degree of voluptuousness that is almost too much to handle – a sensuous overload. Roman describes this wine as the complete deal ‘steak, eggs and cigar’, one could add sex to that description as well. Layers of strong liquorice, spice and blackpepper followed by a hint of earth and subtle toasted oak. Fine firm tannin structure.

    Alc/Vol 14.8%

    • 99
    2001 Clarendon Hills Romas Vineyard Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    Blewitt Springs, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2012-2017)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    The Romas Vineyard is the highest and steepest section of the Blewitt Springs Vineyard and also produces the lowest yields – between 0.5 and 1 tonne per acre. The vines are between 70-75 years old. The winemaking process is essentially the same as for the other Clarendon Hills Grenache wines, except that the barrel composition has changed. 80% of the casks are one year old whereas 20% are two year old French casks. The minor change in composition compensates for the exceptionally low yields but as with the previous Grenache wines, the purity of fruit flavour is superbly expressed.

    Tasting Note: This wine is the ultimate expression of Grenache – and is comparable to the finest from any region, anywhere in the world. Totally opaque crimson, purple colour. The nose is superb with wonderfully concentrated aromas of blackberry, spice, blackpepper, violets and just a hint of earth. The palate takes the variety into a realm of its own; total concentrate. It’s hard to even imagine that the humble, often neglected Grenache grape which has for years been blended back with other varietals, can take on such dimensions of flavour. Exotic layers of berries are woven together with flavours of blackberry, blackpepper, spice and liquorice allsorts. The tannins are perfectly balanced and echo the aftertaste of raspberries, exotic plum, blackberries and pepper.
    Cellar 10-15 years (2012-2017).
    Alc./vol. 14.5%

    • 93
    • 98
    • 96
    2008 Henschke Hill of Grace Magnum (1500ml)
    Eden Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $2200. 00
    Bottle
    $26400.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Other Reviews….
    Deep purple-crimson, even after five years. It is explosively rich and decadent, with oceans of sumptuous black fruits which have soaked up the new and used French oak, and carry the alcohol with contemptuous ease. The grapes were picked early each morning between March 9 and March 13, after the heatwave had started, but before its conclusion. Each block was separately made and matured, and the final blend is not made until shortly before bottling.
    98 Points
    James Halliday's Wine Companion

    According to Stephen Henschke, the 2008 Hill of Grace Shiraz was among the earlier picks that vintage, avoiding the worst of the heatwave that followed. It was never the most elegant or perfumed vintage, but it's rich and creamy, loaded with mocha and blackberry flavors. Full-bodied and intense, it remains rather big and muscular, with a slightly coarse but tremendously long finish. It could go another 20 years in a cool cellar.
    96 Points
    Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate

    From a heatwave vintage comes this decadent but shapely 2008 Shiraz Hill of Grace. It immediately delivers blackberry, chocolate and new leather notes with tar and cassis touches. The palate follows suit, bold and dry, with flavors of licorice, dried spices and roasted meats before a long and muscular finish. The 2008 is an outlier, but the quality is undeniable.
    93 Points
    Angus Hughson - Vinous

    • 99
    • 98
    • 99
    2016 Penfolds Grange Magnum (1500ml)
    South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $1999. 00
    Bottle
    $23988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews....
    The 2016 Grange includes 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and was sourced from Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Clare Valley, with a little bit from Magill Estate, in the suburbs of Adelaide. Aged in 100% new American oak (as always), it offers up trademark lifted aromas plus scents of vanilla, toasted coconut, cedar, raspberries and blackberries. Impressively concentrated and full-bodied, with an extraordinarily long, velvety finish, it's nevertheless reasonably fresh and tight, with decades of cellaring potential if properly stored. Certainly at least on a par with such vintages as 2010 and 2012, the big question is whether it will ultimately reach triple digits. Drink 2025-2050.
    99 points
    Joe Czerwinski – Wine Advocate

    Penfolds nailed the great vintage, making a wine that is perfect in every way. The blend of 97% shiraz and 3% cabernet sauvignon comes from the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Magill Estate in Adelaide, in that order, and as usual spent 18 months in new American hogsheads. Its detail is superb, with light and shade allowing blackberry and plum fruit pride of place, but there's also flashes of spice and licorice. It's as mouthwatering with the last taste as the first, and 7.3g/l of acidity leaves the mouth fresh.
    99 points
    James Halliday's Wine Companion

    A blend of 97% shiraz and 3% cabernet sauvignon from Barossa, McLaren Vale, Clare Valley and Magill Estate. This is a very intense Grange with such rich black-fruit, tar and coal-smoke aromas together with iodine and black-olive notes and an array of wild dark herbs. Almost impenetrable dark plums and licorice, as well as bacon fat. The palate has such seamless delivery of intense blackberry and plum flavors with some redder tones emerging, too. The power here is countered by such freshness and an almost elegant feel. This has such impressive, vibrant, long and seamless fruit power. Really is exceptionally complete, but tight, needs time to open. Very enjoyable now, but better after 2023.
    98 points
    James Suckling

    • 97
    • 95
    2022 Bannockburn Pinot Noir Magnum (1500ml)
    Geelong, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $135. 00
    Bottle
    $1620.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2023-2033)
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    This outstanding Pinot Noir is drawn from Bannockburn’s entire spectrum of vineyards (planted in 1976, 1997 and 2007), including fruit from the iconic, close-planted blocks. All the sites have volcanic loam and dark clay over a limestone base and are planted to various clones, mainly MV6 with a smattering of the Dijon (or Bernard) clones 114, 115 and 777. Hand-picked fruit from each block is fermented separately with 20% whole bunches and a small portion of carbonic used. The wine was then pressed to a combination of hogsheads and puncheons (20% new) for a period of 10 months maturation before blending.

    Supple, complex and expansive, this is superb example of Geelong Pinot Noir.

    Semi translucent dark red colour with black tinged edges and a light red hue. Alluring aromas of cherry, rhubarb and strawberry eloquently sail through the nostrils with a perfumed like intensity. Dried herb, forest floor, game and spicy cedar notes also chime in to make a very complex sniff. Light yet supple and expansive across the palate it features moreish red to dark cherry, rhubarb and strawberry fruits which are interwoven with dried herb, forest floor, subtle game and spicy cedar elements. Refined, seamlessly integrated tannin structure with a gentle tang to the acidity enlivening what is a powerful yet elegant Burgundian like finish.
    Drink over the next 8-10 years.
    Alc. 13.5%

    Other Reviews…..
    I really like where the Bannockburn wines are at right now.
    I guess that you’d call this light but its length and general insistence is right up there. Indeed over the course of 24 hours this just built and expanded in the most impressive of ways. It’s a minerally pinot noir, smoky and spicy, with red cherried flavour run through with herbs and twigs and undergrowth. In its infancy, now, it somehow manages to be quite remarkably complex; it will only add from here. Certainly it’s light but this is an outstanding pinot noir. Drink 2024-2032+
    95+ points
    Campbell Mattinson – The Wine Front

    1997 Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz (1500ml)
    Great Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $599. 00
    Bottle
    $7188.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Four thousand five hundred and sixty bottles of this extraordinary wine were made from the 1997 vintage - that's a total of 380 dozen available for the entire world. The Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz is an International Wine Icon. The vines were established in 1869 by Henry Best and 130 years later the wine enters the new Millennium as one of a wine lover's most desirable possessions.Each November we anxiously await the release of this wine and with each successive vintage our expectations reach new levels, and yet in the back of our minds we have a nagging tall poppy syndrome - Viv Thomson surely can't produce a better wine than he did last year? He has to falter some time! Viv is too smart to be complacent, and as each vintage is blessed with spectacular fruit, he manages to create its perfect bottle expression. However, when nature turns against him as it did in 1999, there was no Thomson made - severe frosts saw to that.The 1997 Thomson is an expression of Shiraz fruit concentrate and in our opinion is completely undervalued, thus offering great investment upside. Consider what else is available in the market place of this quality. Chateau Tahbilk 1860 vines Shiraz retails at around $110 a bottle, the current vintage of Henschke Hill of Grace is available at around $295 a bottle (if you can get it) and Roman Bratasuick's Australis is $165 a bottle (again if you can get it).The 1997 Best's Thomson Family Shiraz has all the requirements for improving both in value and quality over time. The criteria for investment upside in wine is similar to that of antiques. Firstly, the wine must be rare - not a product of mass production. Secondly, it must be of exceptionally high quality. Thirdly, it must be undervalued at the time of purchase. Fourthly, it must have a pedigree - that it's not just a bottle of wine which has been made by chance. Lastly, it must improve in quality over time.

    TASTING NOTE: This is almost the perfect wine. It achieved the remarkable score of 99.3 out of 100, the highest ranking wine in memory. Opaque crimson colour with mauve edges. Exceptional nose of violets, blackpepper, spice, liquorice allsorts, confectionary, vanilla and an aniseed end note. Totally mouthfilling. Concentrate of Shiraz! Flavours of blackpepper, spice, liquorice and blackcurrant, filling every cavity of the mouth. On the back palate the blackpepper flavour explodes and carrys through the after flavour in an exceptional long aftertaste that lasts for 5 minutes and more. Velvet smooth tannins. Perfect balance and capable of 10-20 year cellaring. AN AUSTRALIAN TREASURE AND A WONDERFUL PIECE OF HISTORY TO TAKE INTO THE NEXT MILLENNIUM.

    • 97
    2001 Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Great Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2012-2014)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Cork

    This is one of the Great Wines of the world, and now clearly established as a major investment piece. Produced from old vines, planted in 1866, this wine is a national treasure. Production is minuscule and limited to around 350 cases per year when produced - the wine is only made in great years, with no Thomson being produced from the 1993, 1999 and 2000 vintages. The Best’s Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz has established itself as one of Australia’s great shiraz alongside the likes of Henschke Hill of Grace, Penfolds Grange Hermitage and Clarendon Hills Astralis.

    An exceptional wine, produced from old and rare vines planted in 1866. Totally opaque black crimson purple colour, with purple hue. Superb nose – a wonderful sniff of violets, cedar and spice followed by liquorice allsorts and blood plum. The palate follows the nose with superb length and structure. Refined flavours of blackberry, spice and liquorice allsorts followed by a very spicy white and black pepper back palate. Fine grained tannins, perfect balance, followed by an aftertaste that lasts for several minutes.
    Alc/Vol: 14.0%
    RATING: 97/100

    • 99
    1998 Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Great Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $449. 99
    Bottle
    $5399.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%

    This is one of the Great Wines of the world, and now clearly established as a major investment piece. Produced from old vines, planted in 1866, this wine is a national treasure. Production is minuscule and limited to around 350 cases per annum. The wine is only made in great years, with no Thomson being produced from the 1999 vintage due to frost damage of the vines.When we first tasted the early vintages of this wine it was very obvious to us, that in a few years the Best’s Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz would establish itself on an equal footing with other Great Australian wines (such as Hill of Grace, Grange Hermitage, Astralis and the like).

    In a recent re classification of top Australian red wines, we ranked this wine as equal to the very best that Australia had to offer, and asked International and Australian wine lovers to comment. The response has been universal. This is a Great Australian Wine, and amongst the Great wines of the world.A few years ago, this wine made front cover of every Vintage Direct upon release. Today, the demand is such that collectors needs can not be met, and thus a very large part of the stocks are already gone.The Success of the 1998 vintage needs no further elaboration. It was without any doubt the vintage of the last century in Australia, which makes this wine even more collectable.What is the quality that makes this wine so special? The age of the vines is one factor. The rarity of the production is yet another, there are only 15 rows of these pre phyloxera vines left standing. Finally the pure concentration of flavour and remarkable persistence on the aftertaste makes this wine simply extraordinary.

    The historic perspective that accompanies this wine is mind boggling. Cast the mind back some 134 years, and imagine the native country side around the township of Great Western. The paddocks were not cleared. All work is being done by horses and manual labour. Henry Best is grubbing his way over his selection, whilst in Europe, the Great men of the 19th century are establishing there mark on the world. Alfred Noble, Karl Marx, Guiseppe Verdi, Dostoyevsky are creating a legacy that would last for centuries, and unknowingly so is Henry Best. A bizzare parallel. The humble farmer gains a place alongside the geniuses of his age. Contemplate that fact for a moment – then enjoy the wine.

    Outstanding opaque purple, crimson mauve colour. Magnificent nose with intense aroma of vanilla, violets, spice and blackberries, followed by hints of marzipan and liquorice. This is a rare sniff, that finds the aromas resting high in the temples and staying there. On the palate, the flavours are totally mouthfilling, refined elegant and concentrated, with a remarkable degree of persistence. Flavours of black pepper, vanilla and confectionery are seamlessly welded together and enwrapped by velvet smooth tannins. This is a very special taste experience. Perfect balance, with a profoundly long aftertaste, lasting over 5 minutes.
    Cellar 10-15 years (2011-2016)

    1992 Best's Great Western Thomson Centenary Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Great Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $499. 00
    Bottle
    $5988.00 Dozen
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews…..
    Depending on production there’s around 200-300 dozen produced each year from 12 rows of vines planted around 1868. I tasted ten vintages (from freshly opened bottles) in less than an hour using ISO glasses, in brackets of twos and threes, and then went back and tasted through them all again singly, which starkly illustrated what a moving target complex wine can be. These, then, are my impressions from yesterday’s tasting: a snapshot taken as well as I could manage. Given time, bigger glasses, food etc. things might be different, although I’m pretty sure I captured the essential nature of each of the wines. Notes are pretty much as typed up on the day. Hard to believe that 1992 is seventeen years ago!
    Delightful mature wine scents of cedar and tobacco box, licorice and a touch of mushroom earthiness. Just above middle weight and holding good sweet red and black fruit, and while the tannins are very slightly too assertive, I’d say it has years left to go. Terrific. A real charmer.
    95 points
    Gary Walsh - The Wine Front (October 2009)

    Centenary. Strong purple-red; spotlessly clean bouquet redolent of plum, cherry and berry fruit, and just a hint of French oak. The palate is powerful and concentrated, but very much the iron fist in a velvet glove style. Spotlessly clean, and the dark cherry fruit has all but swallowed up the new French oak. Will mature magnificently. Drink by 2044.
    94 points
    James Halliday's Wine Companion (November 1994)

    1994 Best's Great Western Thomson Family Shiraz (1500ml)
    Great Western, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $499. 00
    Bottle
    $5988.00 Dozen
    In 1866, in the Grampians district of Victoria, Henry Best was clearing and grubbing his small selection, along the Concongella Creek, and exposing and tilling for the first time in history the powdery, sandy loam which overlaid a deep clay sub soil, and in 1867, 1868 and 1869 he planted shiraz - of which only 15 rows remain. At the same time in Europe Alfred Noble patented dynamite, the first trans Atlantic cable was being laid and Siemens introduced the dynamo for generating electricity, Dostoyevsky in Russia published 'Crime and Punishment'and Karl Marx was writing Das Kapital.By the time Henry Best produced his first vintage, Guiseppe Verdi had completed the opera Aida, the Suez Canal was opened and a record was set by the sailing ship Thermopylae - reaching Port Melbourne from England in a record 61 days 11 hours. A little later the four cylinder internal combustion engine was to be invented and Pasteur had discovered 'germs'.Henry Best is toiling - his June 29,1868 diary entry reads "The beginning of Concongella Vineyard 1866" and his work sheet of 1868 reads "Self, Planting vines Hermitage 3. Cheeney Planting vines, John, Planting vines, Weather fine, frost."Historians call the era the Age of Progress and what progress, 129 years later we can reflect on that progress. The 15 surviving rows of history are of breath taking beauty. Production is limited to 350 cases nationally, a part of Australia's history available to only a handful of enthusiasts. What an exhilarating experience, drinking the wine from Henry Best's original planting and re capping on one of the most progressive times in history. A philosophers wine!The Thomson Shiraz is only released in great years - even old vines can suffer from adverse climatic conditions. There was no 1993 Thomson Shiraz. Old vines produce very low yields of tiny berries, which in turn produce dense concentrated wine. IF YOU WERE IMPRESSED BY THE 1994 BEST'S GREAT WESTERN BIN 0 SHIRAZ,THEN THE 1994 BEST'S THOMSON SHIRAZ WILL ASTOUND YOU.EXTRAORDINARY! PRE PHYLLOXERA VINES - AN INTERNATIONAL TREASURE!Tasting notes: The colour is dense crimson. The nose is not about to yield its array of aromas in a youthful rush. You have to wait a while and quietly the aromas emerge. Ripe plums, blackberry, confectionary with subtle notes of cedar and liquorice - black pepper aromas are absent. The palate slowly rolls out its flavours building up to an unexpected crescendo of totally encompassing black pepper. Plum, liquorice all sorts, confectionary and spice all form forward palate flavours, but the blackpeppers sneak up in a similar way in that mountain pepper berries sneak up on the palate. The harmony is perfect - the tannins are silky smooth, the aftertaste lingering long in the palate like a repetitive chord from Vivaldi - it just stays and stays. This is a sublime shiraz - Unique, an experience not to be forgone. It is the living expression of an age that drove the 20th century and gave it its momentum. Only 350 cases were produced - We need say no more!
    • 97
    2005 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Other Reviews…
    The 2005 Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard is opaque purple-colored with aromas of crushed rocks, toasty oak, tar, licorice, bacon, blueberry, and blackberry. Muscular and large in scale, it will profit from a decade of cellaring and drink well through 2030.
    97 points
    Dr Jay Miller – The Wine Advocate #173, October 2007

    • 99
    • 95
    2005 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Roman Bratasiuk established Clarendon Hills winery in 1989 with a very simple philosophy “to make wines equal to anything in the world”. The phenomenal success of Clarendon Hills has been due to a number of factors, including the age of the vines. Today, much of the fruit is sourced from vines over 70 years old which are grown on a variety of sites which all contribute to the complexity of the wines. Robert Parker has poured great praise on Bratasiuk, with Clarendon Hills being named one of the top wine producers of the year and in 2003 nominated as one of Australia’s and the world's greatest wineries. He described this wine as 'tasting like an Australian version of a great vintage of Lynch Bages.'

    A near perfect Cabernet & the star of the 2005 Clarendon Hills Collection

    Totally opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Superb nose, with violet and dark chocolate top notes, followed by spice and a hint of cedar. Explosive – totally mouthfilling palate with flavours of vanilla, blackcurrant, black pepper and cassis. Very powerful. Fine grained tannins, perfect balance. Very long aftertaste.
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Other reviews….
    Tasting like an Australian version of a great vintage of Lynch Bages, the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham reveals a dense purple color, tremendous intensity, loads of meaty, black currant fruit, and a full-bodied, fabulously endowed, opulent personality. This rich, intense, promising Cabernet should drink well for two decades or more.
    95-97 points
    Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (October, 2006)

    • 96
    • 96
    • Reduced
    2004 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $1,200.00
    $850. 00
    Bottle
    $10200.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2016-2021)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Was $1200, Now $850

    This is a restrained, brooding Astralis. Opaque black purple colour with purple hue.  The nose is perfumed with a degree of restraint, only gradually yielding its splendour.  Aroma of liquorice allsorts, blackberry and violet infusions.  The palate is again refined and tight, showing very good complexity but without the explosive power and super concentration that the 2003 delivered.  Flavours of plum, cherry and stewed fruit emerge.  Very fine grained tannins, well balanced to the fruit.  Very long aftertaste of plum, black cherry and stewed fruit.
    Cellar 10-15 years (2016-2021)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Robert Parkers Review:
    Clarendon Hills' flagship Syrah is the 800-case cuvee of 2004 Syrah Astralis Vineyard. One of Australia's most prodigious offerings, Astralis is a 20-30-year wine (some of the early vintages, such as 1996, are still babies in their evolutionary progression). Produced from 75-year-old Syrah vines, it coats the mouth with a viscous texture, but never comes across as heavy or over the top. An opaque purple color is followed by an extraordinary nose of graphite, roasted meat, new saddle leather, truffles, violets, and blackberries. Full-bodied with superb purity, great definition, and a refreshing, zesty acidity that buttresses its enormous weight and richness, it is a tour de force in winemaking from Roman Bratasiuk. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2030+
    96-98 Points
    Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)

    • 100
    2003 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $235. 00
    Bottle
    $2820.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2014-2019)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The Hickinbotham Vineyard is a relatively large Commercial vineyard that is situated in the Clarendon Hill region. The owners of the vineyard manage the operation according to the needs of their various clients which involve some of Australia’s big companies, such as Hardys and Penfolds. The original 1965 plantings are managed as a super premium vineyard, with the vines being planted on hard clay and ironstone soils. The vines are close planted, which forces each plant to compete for the available moisture and nutrients. Roman pays top dollar for his grapes from this vineyard, thus ensuring to get the quality he wants, and furthermore, pays for his own picking costs.

    Totally opaque black purple colour. The intensity of the nose increases a notch and one can only wonder of what more could be expected from the following wine. Liquorice, blackberry juice, violets and liquorice allsorts fill the nose. The palate weight expresses even more flamboyance than the Liandra, making the Rubens look a little on the slim side – this wine is a sophisticated Magdelanian Venus (look up your early History of Mankind textbooks for that one!) Explosive flavours of white and black pepper, violet infusions, blackberry and spice. Perfectly balanced tannins, followed by an exceptionally long black pepper, blackberry aftertaste.
    Cellar 10-15 years (2014-2019)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Robert Parker's Review
    The 2003 Syrah Hickinbotham Vineyard is a prodigious effort. With fabulous notes of melted licorice, smoke, asphalt, creme de cassis, and roasted jus de viande, this full-bodied, dense yet remarkably elegant, well-balanced Syrah should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 15+.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (94-96) points

    • 98
    2002 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $299. 99
    Bottle
    $3599.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 15 Years (2013-2018)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    This is the wine that Roman refers to as ‘My Latour’ and is not afraid to draw parallels and even admit that is where the inspiration came from. This is the biggest Cabernet – a wine of monumental structure yet displaying a degree of flamboyance.

    Tasting Note: Opaque black crimson colour with deep crimson hue. The nose is relatively tight, but that is almost expected of this wine. Notes of violets and blackcurrant emerge over a subtle spice end note. The palate takes one by surprise, it’s far from being tightly knit, and is explosive with flavour and delivers exceptional length and depth. Flavours of blackcurrant, blackpepper and spice are enhanced by a hint of confectionary and fine dry tannins. Perfect balance, with exceptionally long aftertaste of blackcurrant, blackpepper and spice.
    Cellar 10-15 years (2013-2018)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Other reviews
    The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham Vineyard may be the finest Cabernet I have yet tasted from Clarendon Hills. While stunning from barrel, it is even more prodigious from bottle. An explosive bouquet of creme de cassis, melted licorice, new saddle leather, cedar, and Asian spices is followed by a full-bodied, marvelously concentrated effort that tastes like an Australian version of the profound 1990 Lynch Bages. Huge, concentrated flavors inundate the palate. The wine is seamlessly constructed with a brilliant integration of acidity, tannin, and wood. This fabulous, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon should be at its finest between 2008-2020+.
    - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155) 95 points

    • 100
    2003 Clarendon Hills Piggott Range Vineyard Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $450. 00
    Bottle
    $5400.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 20 - 30 Years (2024-2034)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The Piggott Range Vineyard is an expression of the capacity of a vine to survive in adverse conditions. The vines are around 30 years old and planted on rock and shale with only 10-13 mm of top soil. In normal years the yields are around 1 tonne per acre. In 2003 the result was a miniscule ½ tonne per acre of which can only be described as concentrate. The site is subject to bad weather around flowering giving the vine a poor fruit set.

    The wine is totally black in colour. The nose is even more pronounced than that of Brookman. Lifted notes of blackberry concentrate, plum concentrate, spice, violets and liquorice. The structure is magnificent – monumental with very highly wound tannin structure. Fine, dry – a formidable backbone to a concentrate of black pepper and blackberry flavours. As in previous vintages this wine is concentration plus, yet still in balance. One could cut the wine with a 50/50 shandy of water and still have a decent drink.
    Cellar 20-30 years (2024-2034)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Robert Parker's Review
    From rocky shale/slate soils, the 2003 Syrah Piggott Range should only be purchased by patient consumers. Possessing enormous structure, but also magnificent extract and richness, it offers up aromas of crushed minerals, flowers, blackberry and blueberry liqueur, and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, dense flavors reveal striking elegance as well as balance. There is plenty of tannin lurking under the surface, so I suspect it will need 4-5 years of cellaring. It should keep for 20-25 years. The distinctive roasted character of the Piggott Range Syrahs is noteworthy since this vineyard is a natural amphitheater planted with 35- to 40-year-old Syrah vines.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (91-93) points

    • 99
    2003 Clarendon Hills Moritz Vineyard Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $199. 00
    Bottle
    $2388.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2012-2014)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The Moritz Vineyard is relatively young by Clarendon Hills standards. The vines are approximately 30 years old, producing yields of around 2.5 tonnes per acre. The oak regime has changed in order to produce a seamless wine. In the 2001 vintage, 70% new French oak was used together with 30% 1 year old French oak. The 2003 Moritz has been matured in 50% 1 year old oak, 25% 2 year old and 25% 3 year old French oak. This reflects the basic qualities of the fruit.

    Totally opaque black purple colour. Superb, perfumed nose of violets, blackberry, black pepper, cedar and spice. The palate displays a seamless quality with perfect integration of components due to a combination of oak types and fruit quality. The palate delivers outstanding length and depth with seamless flavours of violet infusions, blackberry, plum, cedar, white and black pepper. Velvet smooth tannins with exceptionally long aftertaste of spice, plum and black pepper.
    Cellar 8-10 years (2012-2014)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Robert Parker's Review
    The 2003 Syrah Moritz Vineyard is characterized by its extraordinary balance and purity. This saturated ruby/purple-colored, elegant Syrah offers up sweet aromas of black fruits, flowers, espresso, and white chocolate. Rich, long, velvety-textured, and well-balanced, it should drink well young, hit its peak in 5-7 years, and last for 15-16.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (92-95) points

    • 99
    2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Syrah (Shiraz) Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.9%
    Closure: Cork

    The Hickinbotham vineyard Syrah was planted in 1965 on hard clay and ironstone soil. The vines are close planted at one metre spacing, which forces the vine roots to compete for ground water. Consequently producing small highly concentrated berries.

    “Who needs Viognier, when Syrah from this vineyard has a perfumed intensity without it!” This wine clearly demonstrates Roman’s winemaking philosophy.

    Tasting Note: Totally opaque black/purple colour. Magnificent perfumed nose, filled with the aroma of violets, blackberry concentrate and blackpepper with exotic end notes. The palate is an explosion of super ripe fruit, yet far from simple layers. At first the flavours are recognised, and quickly merge into a seamless expression of Shiraz. Flavours of blackberry and blackpepper, plum and spice create the land of fruit bomb that only great Australian Shiraz is capable of achieving. Fine, firm tannin structure, yet perfectly balanced followed by a profoundly long aftertaste of blackberry, plum and blackpepper. Can a wine get much better than this?
    Cellar 8-12 years (2010-2014).
    Alc/Vol 14.9%

    RATING: 99/100

    VALUE: XXXXX/5

    • 96
    2004 Clarendon Hills Sandown Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $170. 00
    Bottle
    $2040.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2014-2016)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Totally opaque black purple colour with black purple hue.  The nose reveals a dusty, cedar top note followed by a touch of tobacco leaf and an abundance of ripe blackcurrants.  The palate structure is refined with flavours of tobacco, cigar box and blackcurrant emerging.  Very fine, firmish tannins give the wine excellent structure for the long term.  Cigar box aftertaste.
    Cellar 8-10 years (2014-2016)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Robert Parkers Review:
    From a 75-year-old vineyard planted in sandy/gravelly soils, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Sandown Vineyard possesses tart acidity, a backward, restrained style, exceptional elegance, and beautiful black currant fruit intermixed with floral/earthy overtones. It requires 2-3 years of bottle age, and should drink well through 2020.
    (91-93) Points
    Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)

    • 99
    2002 Clarendon Hills Astralis Syrah Magnum (1500ml)
    Blewitt Springs, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $1200. 00
    Bottle
    $14400.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The 2002 vintage was uniform across the Clarendon Hills range, with all wines performing superbly. The wine differs from the 2001 in that only two new barriques were used whereas 100% new oak was used the previous year. This wine differs from the previous vintage in body weight and structure. 2001 Astralis was comparable to Penfolds Grange – a monumental concentrated Shiraz. The 2002 Astralis is comparable to a Henschke Hill of Grace. The difference in style is attributable to the climatic variation due to the vintage.

    Tasting Note: Totally black purple colour. Superb lifted nose of violets, leather, blackcurrant and spice. The palate structure is very reminiscent of Henschke Hill of Grace with a sophistication and elegance that is rare in Australian wine. The vintage yielded crops of ½ to 1 tonne per acre, compared with 2 to 2 ½ tonnes in the previous year. The wine is still very voluptuous on the palate with concentrated powerful flavours of plum, spice, anise and white pepper very evident. Fine grained tannins with an exceptionally long aftertaste of plum, spice and white pepper. An exceptional red that continued to blossom in the glass. Bratasiuk draws parallels of this wine to the 1992, and just to demonstrate the parallels, he opened a bottle of the 1992.
    Cellar 15-20 years (2018-2023)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%RATING: 99/100

    VALUE: XXXXX/5

    Robert Parker's Review
    The 2002 Syrah Astralis Vineyard rivals the greatest wines Roman Bratasiuk has made in his 15-year career. This compelling, black/blue-hued offering from 75-year-old Syrah vines tastes like blood of the vine. An extraordinary perfume of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, roasted meat, new saddle leather, and earth is followed by a wine with sweet tannin, sensational concentration, full body, an unctuous texture, and a full-throttle, tannic finish. Yet it reveals unbelievable elegance and finesse. Too many Euro-centric elitists argue that Australian wines are too rich and over the top, but all of these offerings have been made by someone with great talent and vision who takes the extraordinary ripeness and purity of fruit available from these old vine vineyards and crafts them into wines that are quite European in style ... just richer and denser. The 2002 Astralis is a tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 99 points

    • 100
    2001 Clarendon Hills Hickinbotham Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    “This is My ‘Latour’”, beams Roman, and indeed this is a formidable wine, and on a relative basis, an absolute bargain. The 2000 Chateau Latour, (from a comparable great year), was priced at around A$700 a bottle on the early futures market. Is the pleasure of a bottle of Latour as a good as the pleasure from nearly a dozen bottles of 2001Clarendon Hills Cabernet? Certainly Clarendon Hills does not have First Growth status, but on a quality basis Roman over delivers.

    Tasting Note: Totally opaque black crimson colour. Magnificent aroma of liquorice allsorts, blackcurrant, spice, cedar and violets. The palate is a powerhouse of Cabernet flavour and has a richness and depth that the previous two Cabernets don’t have. A “ supersaturated” wine. The alcohol is 14.5%, reflecting the fact that this is the last block of Cabernet to be picked. There is monumental power and structure, with voluptuous blackcurrant, and spice flavours filling every corner of the palate. Layers of confectionary and cedar are enhanced by the re occurring violet character. Very fine, very firm dry tannins, perfectly balanced, with a long powerful aftertaste of cedar and blackcurrant.
    Cellar 20-25 years (2022-2027)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    RATING: 100/100

    VALUE: XXXXX/5

    • 96
    2003 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Vineyard Old Vines Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 12 Years (2014-2016)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    Outstanding colour extraction! Black purple colour with purple hue. The nose is a touch subdued, but reveals aroma of violets, liquorice and blood plum followed by a touch of raspberry and soy. The palate is relatively tight, much more tightly knit than previous vintages from the same vineyard. The grapes for this wine were picked in 4 sessions over a two week period. Bratasiuk flavour profiles his vineyard, as well as paying attention to the ‘numbers’ that evolve from fluid testing.

    Flavours of liquorice, plum and violet emerge followed by a white pepper back palate and a warm spicy sensation. The tannin structure is fine, much drier than the previous wines, however perfectly balanced with exceptionally long spicy, plum and white pepper aftertaste.
    Cellar 10-12 years (2014-2016)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Robert Parker's Review
    According to Roman Bratasiuk, the “Dolly Parton” of Grenache is the 2003 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs, from a vineyard whose soils include quartz, sand, and loam. This opulent, voluptuous, deep ruby/purple-colored effort offers a heady mixture of red and black fruits, incense, licorice, and full-bodied, viscous, exuberant flavors. Drink this delicious offering over the next decade.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (92-94) points

    • 96
    2001 Clarendon Hills Blewitt Springs Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    Blewitt Springs, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $175. 00
    Bottle
    $2100.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2007-2010)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    The Blewitt Springs Vineyard is the original source of Grenache for Clarendon Hills and has traditionally being referred to as the Dolly Parton of the Clarendon Hills Grenache collection. It was certainly the case before the extraordinary Kangarilla Grenache appeared. The 2001 vintage conditions were amongst the hottest experienced at Clarendon Hills and the Grenache thrived. Cropped at around 2 tonnes per acre the wine has been made and handled in the same way as the previous Grenaches in the collection.

    Tasting Note: The colour of this wine is fantastic with very deep crimson mauve purple clinging to the glass. The nose is a touch subdued, but as with the other Grenache wines it has recently been moved from barrel to tank awaiting bottling. The nose displays spicy notes followed by hints of pepper, raspberry and earth. The palate flavours explode in the mouth displaying powerful Clarendon Hills concentration of flavour. The flavour profile is almost Shiraz like, except that voluptuous raspberry flavours are evident. The liquorice, blackpepper and spice back palate flavours are outstanding and have remarkable persistence. The palate weight does not quite match the Kangarilla Grenache, on a comparative basis, however that’s nothing to despair about. Fine grained, perfectly balanced tannins with exceptionally long blackpepper, spice aftertaste.
    Cellar 5-8 years. (2007-2010)
    Alc./vol. 14.5%

    • 98
    2001 Clarendon Hills Kangarilla Vineyard Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $175. 00
    Bottle
    $2100.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 8 - 10 Years (2010-2012)
    ABV: 14.9%
    Closure: Cork

    Robert Parker has gone into raptures about this wine and it’s easy to see why. The wine is an explosion of flavour, and has a degree of voluptuousness about it that is rarely found in any wine. If Dolly Parton, on a scale of one to ten, is rated a ten for size, then this wine has to be a fourteen or fifteen out of ten! The concentration of flavour in this wine is incomprehensible for Grenache and is more Shiraz like in it’s weight & structure yet it retains very strong pure Grenache flavours.

    Tasting Note: Very deep crimson mauve purple colour, vibrant with youth. The wine is already perfumed despite the wine only recently being moved from cask to blending tank. Superb aroma of violets, raspberry and liquorice. The palate flavour explosion is unexpected from the nose and instantly encases every corner of the mouth with superbly ripe fruit. The texture is luscious, salivating with flavours of blackpepper, liquorice and spice – a total concentrate which hangs onto the back palate and refuses to be moved – it just stays and stays. The tannins are velvet smooth and in perfect harmony with the voluptuous fruit flavours. The wine is a wonderful expression of the vineyard creating a sense of purity of style that is going to be difficult to replicate in the following two wines – well at this point in the tasting that is the impression.
    Cellar 8-10 years. (2010-2012)
    Alc./vol. 14.9%

     Click here to read more about the McLaren Vale wine region.

    • 97
    2003 Clarendon Hills Romas Vineyard Old Vines Grenache Magnum (1500ml)
    Clarendon, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $299. 00
    Bottle
    $3588.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 12 Years (2014-2016)
    ABV: 14.8%
    Closure: Cork

    The Romas Vineyard delivers the high point of Clarendon Hills Grenache, which produces tiny yields of between ½ to 1 tonne per acre. In the past the Romas has been the most voluptuous expression of Grenache, however, in 2003 the wine is much tighter and closed than the Romas’ of 2001 and 2002. For the first 9 months of its life the wine was extremely closed – giving Roman some concern, however, slowly, very slowly the wine is evolving. This wine is going to take some time to fully express itself.

    The colour is outstanding with purple crimson colour and deep mauve hue. The nose gives no indication of the tight knit structure that is to follow, with superb lift of violets and spice. The tannin backbone is very assertive in this wine but necessary to support the fruit. Flavours of liquorice allsorts, confectionary and white pepper with hints of raspberry and plum. A Grenache of formidable structure that will need at least 10-12 years to evolve.
    Cellar 10-12 years (2014-2016)
    Alc/Vol: 14.8%

    Robert Parker's Review
    Clarendon Hills’ flagship Grenache, the 2003 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard is the densest, most exotic of these wines. Produced from a parcel of vines (65-80-years old) in the highest section of the Blewitt Springs Vineyard, it boasts a dense ruby/plum color, a raspberry and blackberry-scented perfume with hints of underbrush, incense, and camphor, an unctuously textured mouthfeel, marvelous elegance, and an incredibly intoxicating personality. Rich and dense, it will benefit from 1-3 years of bottle age, and should last for 12-15 years.
    (Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
    ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (95-97) points

    1996 Cullen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot (1500ml)
    Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen

    1996 VINTAGE CONDITIONS - MARGARET RIVER

    The 1996 Vintage in Margaret River was slightly late and created some management problems viticulturally. Vintage began on around the 24th February with most areas reporting average yields, although some vineyards reported yields down 20-30%. Weather conditions during vintage were mild with some overcast days and rain about. February receiving 80mm, March 11mm and April 15mm of rain. The humid weather conditions meant that viticulturists had to maintain a watch on powdery mildew and botrytis. Around Willyabrup, high October winds reduced Chardonnay yields, however, the reds produced were of excellent quality, in part due to the extended ripening period. Despite the difficult patches of weather the general assessment is that the Chardonnays will show some excellent tropical fruit and citrus flavours whilst Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc will be fruity and well structured with good length.

    The 1996 Cullen Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc, produced from 25 year old non irrigated vines. A slightly higher proportion of new French oak was used for maturing this wine. It was increased to 84% to order to produce the right balance between the fruit and wood flavours. The wine spent 18 months in oak.Opaque crimson mauve colour. The nose is superb revealing layers of ripe fruit aromas. Blackcurrants, violets, mulberries, spice, plum and liquorice allsorts are magnificently intertwined with cedar oak. The wine smells of pure class. The palate displays great weight and concentration of ripe fruit flavours - it is more tightly knit then the generous 1995, however, it still has all the hallmarks of a great wine. Ripe blackcurrant, plum, spice and chocolate flavours are interwoven with liquorice and a hint of cinnamon. Superb balance, in spite of the fine firmish tannins. A very refined wine with very long aftertaste of ripe plum and cinnamon spice. The wine comes with a perfect 55 mm cork to ensure a long bottle life. Cellar for at least 3-4 years before opening and 10 years for optimum results. Cullens rate this wine as one of their best to date.

    • 98
    2002 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $299. 99
    Bottle
    $3599.88 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 16 Years (2016-2022)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    An outstanding ‘essay’ in concentration of flavour. Opaque black purple colour, with purple hue and strong colour cling to the walls of the glass. Magnificent nose of violets, blackberry, confectionary, prune, spice and liquorice allsorts. The palate lives up to all expectations of the nose. Mouth filling, with flavours of vanilla, spice, plum, cedar and blackberry. Velvet smooth tannins, excellent balance, with exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberry and blackpepper. Limited Stocks.
    Cellar 10-16 years (2016-2022)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Other reviews... Clean and quite fragrant; abundant blackberry and dark chocolate fruit; controlled extract and good balance.
    94 points - James Hallidays Wine Companion
    • 95
    • 95
    • Reduced
    2004 d'Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $89.99
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $89.99, Now $69.99

    Other Reviews....
    Deep garnet colored, the 2004 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz has developed an evolved nose showing notes of dried fruit, earth, leather, soy and black tea with nuances of menthol and cinnamon stick. Full bodied and generously fruited in the mouth, it is nicely poised with a medium level of fine grained tannins and refreshing acid, finishing long and spicy. Drinking very well now, it should continue to cellar to 2017+.
    95 points
    Lisa Perrotti-Brown - Wine Advocate #199 (Dec 2011)

    Deeply coloured; strong black fruit aromas are lifted by the Viognier component; a rich tapestry of dense, dark fruits has swallowed up the oak.
    95 points
    James Halliday - 2007 Australian Wine Companion

    • 98
    • 94
    • Reduced
    2002 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz Jeroboam (3000ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $799.00
    $599. 00
    Bottle
    $7188.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 10 - 16 Years (2016-2022)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Was $799, Now $599

    An outstanding ‘essay’ in concentration of flavour. Opaque black purple colour, with purple hue and strong colour cling to the walls of the glass. Magnificent nose of violets, blackberry, confectionary, prune, spice and liquorice allsorts. The palate lives up to all expectations of the nose. Mouth filling, with flavours of vanilla, spice, plum, cedar and blackberry. Velvet smooth tannins, excellent balance, with exceptionally long aftertaste of liquorice, blackberry and blackpepper. Limited Stocks.
    Cellar 10-16 years (2016-2022)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

     

    Other reviews... Clean and quite fragrant; abundant blackberry and dark chocolate fruit; controlled extract and good balance.
    94 points - James Hallidays Wine Companion

    • 93
    • Reduced
    2001 d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $170.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $170, Now $140

    Other Reviews....
    One of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons produced in South Australia is d’Arenberg’s Coppermine Road. The colossal 2001 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits an opaque purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of lead pencil shavings intermixed with blackberry and cassis fruit, vanilla, Asian spices, and white flowers. Still primary and young, with great intensity as well as tremendous upside potential, it requires 5-6 more years of aging, after which it will last for two decades.
    93 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #148 (Aug 2003)

    • Reduced
    2003 d'Arenberg Dead Arm Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $199.00
    $175. 00
    Bottle
    $2100.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $199, Now $175

    Other Reviews....
    Deep colour; typically massively rich and concentrated; black fruits, chocolate, tannins and oak are all fighting each other for top spot. Hopefully, a truce will be declared in 5 or so years.
    93 points
    James Halliday - Wine Companion

    One of this estate’s flagship wines, the 2003 The Dead Arm Shiraz appears to be better than the 2002. A deeper, richer, fuller-bodied offering that spent time in equal parts French and American oak, it possesses an opaque purple color, great intensity, and a fabulously sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, asphalt, earth, and oak. Powerful, super-concentrated, and obviously fashioned from low yields and old vines, this is a classic McLaren Vale old vine Shiraz that should age nicely for 15+ years.
    95 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)

    • 93
    • Reduced
    2002 d'Arenberg The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $170.00
    $140. 00
    Bottle
    $1680.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $170, Now $140

    Other Reviews....
    The 2002 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a sweet perfume of roasted herbs, black currants, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, and background oak. Full-bodied and structured, it is just a notch below the quality of the 2003. Drink it over the next 12+ years.
    93 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #161 (Oct 2005)

    • 91
    • 93
    • Reduced
    2004 Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $199.00
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $199, Now $160

    Other Reviews....
    Dark colour; opulent, rich and mouthfilling; chocolate, vanilla and mocha provide much of the energy, though there is plenty of blackberry/licorice fruit. Screwcap. 14.5% alc.
    93 points
    James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion (March 2006)

    Inky ruby. Ripe and explosively aromatic, with vibrant blackberry and creme de cassis aromas tinged by vanilla, baking spices, licorice and sweet mocha. Lush, fleshy and powerful, the dark berry flavors showing liqueur-like intensity but also very good energy and brightness. Expansive, fruit-driven and long on the aftertaste, with supple, rounded tannins providing structure.
    91 points
    Josh Raynolds - Vinous (July 2006)

    • 91
    • 92
    • Reduced
    2002 Fox Creek Reserve Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $199.00
    $160. 00
    Bottle
    $1920.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $199, Now $160

    Other Reviews....
    Densely coloured; rich, plush blackberry, dark chcolate and vanilla; good balance in epic style.
    92 points
    James Halliday - Australian Wine Companion (2005)

    Medium ruby. Ripe, vibrant and nicely focused aromas of crushed blackberry, blackcurrant, basil, exotic incense and vanilla. Dense and thick, with round, supple flavors of dark berries, creme de cassis kirsch, mocha and roasted meat. Finishes fat and creamy without losing its focus or verve.
    91 points
    Josh Raynolds - Vinous (July 2005)

    • Reduced
    2002 Giaconda Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    Beechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $250.00
    $220. 00
    Bottle
    $2640.00 Dozen
    No tasting notes available.
    • Reduced
    2004 Giaconda Warner Vineyard Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Beechworth, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $299.00
    $240. 00
    Bottle
    $2880.00 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $299, Now $240

     

    Other Reviews....
    The dark ruby/purple-tinged 2004 Shiraz Warner Vineyard (98% Shiraz and 2% Roussanne) exhibits beautiful blackberry fruit intermixed with hints of graphite, smoked herbs, tapenade, and spicy vanillin. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and backward, this impressive offering spent 20 months in barrel (60% new French), and it should age nicely for 7-10 years.
    93+ points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #168 (Dec 2006)


    • 98
    • 96
    • 95
    • 95
    2021 Giant Steps Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir Magnum (1500ml)
    Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    ABV: 13.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Other Reviews....
    Named after the Applejack eucalypts that surround the vineyard, which was planted at Gladysdale in 1997. Seven clones including 114, 115, MV6, D2V5, D5V15, Pommard and Abel! I've long considered the Applejack vineyard to be one of the greatest sites for pinot in Australia and I'm not sure I've seen a better version than the 2021. A deep, bright, crimson purple. Maraschino cherry into plum, there's an exotic and riotous amalgam of Asian five-spice and a gentle savoury, umami character. What elevates this vintage is the concentration, along with Applejack's trademark perfume and spice. Just so vibrant and fresh on the palate, the tannins are both silky and plentiful. You will have no problems opening and enjoying this now, but the wine's track record suggests you'll thank me if you still have some to drink 7–10 years from now, if not longer. Drink by 2032.
    98 Points
    Philip Rich - James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion (February 2022)

    Brashly spicy and complex, this has aromas of espresso, blueberries, toasted spices and grilled bread, as well as forest wood and violets. The palate delivers alluring depth and a round, fleshy build. Acidity explodes on the finish, releasing fresh red-cherry and blueberry fruit flavors. Wonderfully layered and complete. Drink over the next eight years. Screw cap.
    96 Points
    JamesSuckling.com (July 2022)

    The Applejack Vineyard is planted across the hill, at the same altitude as the Primavera Vineyard on gray clay over mudstone, and picked within a few days of that site. The 2021 Applejack Vineyard Pinot Noir included 50% whole bunch in the mix and is a blend of seven different clones. This shows wonderful clarity and poise—it is precise and layered with energy and life. The acid pulses through the phenolic texture in the mouth. It was originally a sparkling vineyard, down the hill from Wombat Creek, situated in an eastern-facing bowl that captures the morning sunlight. Mel Chester (head of winemaking and viticulture) talks about the smell of the tea trees in the vineyard, explaining that "there's always a couple of Wedgetail eagles circling, it's a magic place." The evocative description of the vineyard carries through into the wine, which shows a satisfying, delicious resolution of plump ripe fruit and beautifully resolved tannin. Balance 101. Drink 2022 - 2037.
    95 Points
    Erin Larkin - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (June 2022)

    One of the great things about Australian wine is that the planting frenzy in the late half of the 1990s now has a great many vineyards marking their 25th year in the ground. The east-facing Applejack Vineyard was planted in 1997 at Gladysdale and is a star performer. This release saw 80% whole bunches and 25% new oak.
    Pure red cherry flavours push straight into undergrowth, mushroom, fragrant herb and spices. Cedarwood oak is present but so happily married to the fruit. There are briar notes here, particularly through the finish, and throughout it feels structured without necessarily feeling grippy. There’s a (positive) smoky aftertaste and a (very) good level of richness, in a varietal context. All up, hands down, this is a gorgeous wine to drink. Drink 2023 - 2030+
    95+ Points
    Campbell Mattinson - The Wine Front (June 2022)

    Pale garnet verging on ruby. Pale rim. A bit more meaty and savoury than the Primavera Vineyard Pinot on the nose. Light and fresh with definite sweetness, as well as the vegy savour, but more refreshing than the Primavera and with a nice lick of light tannins. Delicate texture. It tastes as though it were made with kid gloves. A definite success. Drink 2022 – 2028.
    16.5 / 20 Points
    JancisRobinson.com (May 2022)

    • 98
    • 95
    • Reduced
    2003 Gibson's Australian Old Vine Collection Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $299.00
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    Cellar: 2 - 3 Years (2017-2018)
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork

    Was $299, Now $250

    Re-tasted 13/11/2015:
    Totally opaque inky black colour with a deep very dark red hue. Glorious aromas of liquorice, ripe black cherries, blackberries and dark chocolate waft from the glass over some lightly toasted vanillin oak, faint leather and spice. Well endowed, opulently textured and very rich the palate is swamped with luscious liquorice, blackberry and dark plum flavours that create a fleshy yet refined mouthfeel. Toasty vanillin oak, earthy leather characters and spice follow on. Supple velvety tannins. Outstanding power, concentration and depth with a very long conclusion of liquorice, ripe blackberries, toasty vanillin oak, earthy leather and spice. Cellared in temperature controlled conditions. Very Limited stocks. 
    Drink over the next 2-3 years.
    Alc. 14.5%

    First Tasted September 2005:
    Totally opaque black purple colour with deep purple red hue. The nose delivers that very special perfumed lift that has been the hallmark of all the Old Vine Shiraz wines. Aroma of violets, vanilla, dark chocolate, mixed spice and ripe plum. Wave upon wave of mouthfilling flavours converge onto the palate - vanilla, plum, chocolate, blackpepper & spice are supported by very fine tannins. Exceptional length and persistence. Fine grained tannins. Aftertaste of vanilla violets, black berries, cherry ripe and dark chocolate.
    Cellar 5-8 years (2010-2013)
    Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Other Reviews...
    A profound offering fashioned from 93- to 140-year-old vines, the 2003 Old Vine Collection Shiraz boasts extraordinary elegance and precision along with a deep, black raspberry and cassis-scented nose, beautiful sweetness, a peppery, spicy purity on the attack, full body, superb ripeness, decent acidity, and a long, heady, supple finish. It should drink well for a minimum of 10-15 years.
    95 Points
    Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)

    • 99
    2005 Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork
    A powerhouse of Shiraz. Again, like the Godolphin, this wine is unfiltered. Opaque black purple colour with black purple hue. Perfumed nose, with layers of violet, spice, liquorice and vanilla. The palate flavours are very pronounced, with a very spicy back palate. Mouthfilling flavours of black pepper, blackberry, spice, and plum overlaid with cedar. The tannins are fine, yet slightly chalky but perfectly balanced. Very long aftertaste of black pepper, spice and plum. Cellar 5-8 years (2011-2014) Alc/Vol: 14.5%

    Other Reviews…. The profound 2005 Shiraz Amon Ra is fashioned from a dry grown, 100- to 110 year-old vineyard, and spends 14 months in a combination of 100% new French and American barrels as well as 300-liter hogsheads. A saturated purple color is followed by scents of creme de cassis, incense, licorice, black raspberries, graphite, and sweet wood. It unfolds beautifully on the palate to reveal terrific richness, full-bodied power, great definition, and lovely elegance. This exquisite Shiraz is still young, but it possesses a degree of accessibility. It should age for two decades. It is a superb example of cutting edge winemaking being utilized on ancient Shiraz vines in the Barossa.
    98 points - Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate
    2006 Glaetzer Amon Ra Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Barossa Valley, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Cork
    Amon' and 'Ra' were two deities rolled into one to become the Sun God of ancient Egyptian mythology. With this release Ben Glaetzer has created a wine of mythic proportions. Sunshine and old Barossa vines transform fruit into an epic Australian red that's a must for Shiraz devotees.

    Other reviews... Impenetrable colour; a full-bodied palate, stacked to the gills with layer-upon-layer of blackberry, prune, licorice and plum fruit, yet the tannin and oak are not overdone, nor is the alcohol. Oh for a screwcap. Drink by 2021. Tasted 2007. 96 points - James Hallidays Wine Companion
    • 93
    • Reduced
    2004 Henry's Drive Parson's Flat Cabernet Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Padthaway, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    Reduced from $89.99
    $69. 99
    Bottle
    $839.88 Dozen
    Closure: Cork

    Was $89.99, Now $69.99

    Other Reviews....
    From the same team (growers Kim and Mark Longbottom and winemaker Kim Johnston) that runs Henry’s Drive, this wine is made in a similar style. Produced from 6- to 12-year-old vines, it is a blend of 70% Shiraz and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon aged in 100% American oak, of which 80% is new. It is an in-your-face, exuberant, flamboyant Aussie red boasting loads of espresso roast, toasty oak, blackberries, cassis, and licorice. Full-bodied, opulent, and voluptuous, with oodles of glycerin and depth, this hussy requires drinking during its first 7-8 years of life, although it may last even longer.
    93 points
    Robert Parker - Wine Advocate #167 (Oct 2006)

    • 92
    2017 Katnook Estate Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    Coonawarra, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $79. 99
    Bottle
    $959.88 Dozen
    ABV: 14.5%
    Closure: Stelvin

    Other Reviews....
    A cool, attenuated growing season has benefitted Coonawarra in '17. The fruit is plump, but not obtuse; the tannins long-grained; the acidity vibrant, but not hard. Rendered in French and American (55%) oak, there is plenty to like here: a whiff of lilac, anise, mint and a stream of blue fruit flavours with an accent of pepper.
    92 points
    Ned Goodwin - James Halliday's Wine Companion

    • 97
    • 96
    2019 Moss Wood Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum (1500ml)
    Margaret River, Western Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $350. 00
    Bottle
    $4200.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 15 Years (2022-2037)
    ABV: 14%
    Closure: Stelvin

    A blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc & 2% Petit Verdot matured in French oak barriques of which 15% were new. Pitch black core with a deep bright dark red black tinged hue. A wonderful array of red to black currant, red liquorice, violet and mulberry aromatics sail out of the glass followed by some toasty cedar, tobacco, black olive and subtle bay leaf notes. Rich and silky in its feel the medium bodied palate is flooded with a mix of red to black currant and red liquorice fruits that show superb power and length. Notions of vanillin cedar, tobacco, subtle black olive and bay leaf chime in on the back half. Super fine tannins are seamlessly integrated. Concluding impressively long and refined this is already seductive drinking.
    Drink over the next 10-15 years.
    Alc. 14%

    Other Reviews…..
    Gracefully powerful and exquisitely expressed, the wine shows blackcurrant, dark cherry, cedary oak, green olive and warm spice aromas on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers outstanding fruit purity and intensity, combined with finely textured mouthfeel and beautifully pitched grainy tannins, finishing with a great line and length. Impeccably detailed, precise and undeniably classy.  
    98 points
    Sam Kim – Wine Orbit

    There was some debate around a decade ago that this iconic Margaret River winery had lost a little of its glitter and that the wines were not what they once were. I was not quite as onboard with that as some – in fairness, it is not easy to remain at the pinnacle for a half century – but in recent years, the levels of quality they have attained have put to rest any such doubts. These guys now make some of the most thrilling wines in Margaret River and none better than their Cabernet. There are some world class Cabs made in the region and the MW sits with the very best. This vintage ranks with the finest of recent releases and there have been some crackers. To be honest, to look at this, I slipped it into a tasting which friends had organised, which was of some “super-second level” Bordeaux and great Margaret River Cabernets, from vintages as far back as 1990, right up to today. It will give an indication of how well it went if I tell you that one friend, not usually known for purchasing anything other than the great wines of Europe, rang the next day to say he had already picked up a six pack.
    96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this is elegance personified. A low yielding and slightly cooler vintage, the grapes went into small open tanks for fermentation, with thrice daily hand-plunging. 15 days on skins and then pressed to tank before it was racked to French oak, 15% new. Over two years maturation. As mentioned, elegance personified. A silky combination of coiled power and finesse, this is a glorious Cabernet. Blackberries, spices, tobacco leaves, kid leather, violets, cigar box notes, aniseed and delicately integrated oak. There is a gossamer-like web of complexity weaving through the wine. Seamless, great length and cashmere tannins. This is a brilliant wine. Ten years, twenty years? How long have you got? If you are serious about great Australian Cabernet, this is a must for your cellar.
    99 points
    Ken Garrett – Winepilot.com

    Powerful, compact, brooding sort of style, but tight too, all black fruit, dark chocolate, a seasoning of bay leaf and baking spice, some floral notes peeping over the top. Tannin is earthy and dense, but smooth and layered, boysenberry and dark raspberry, firm acidity set neatly inside, and a tobacco and black olive savoury finish of length and intensity. A very strong release, indeed maybe the best in the last decade. High drinkability, even early.
    Drink 2027-2043+
    96 points
    Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

    • 97
    2006 Mount Mary Quintet Magnum (1500ml)
    Yarra Valley, Victoria, AUSTRALIA
    $399. 00
    Bottle
    $4788.00 Dozen
    ABV: 12.9%
    Closure: Cork
    Mount Mary needs little introduction. Established in 1971 by Dr. John and Marli Middleton, it was one of the first vineyards planted during the resurgence of the Yarra Valley as a premium grape growing region. Middleton forged a reputation as the most consistent producer in the valley, and his 'Quintet' has become Victoria’s benchmark Cabernet blend (being Cabernet Sauvignon/Franc/Merlot/Malbec/Petit Verdot). Today, Mount Mary covers 30 acres and continues to be run as a family business. The 2006 vintage has been dedicated to its founder, who passed away in 2006.

    A superb example of Quintet. Deep crimson purple colour with crimson mauve hue. The nose is very perfumed and displays classic Bordeaux refinement with lifted aromas of violets, blackcurrant, cedar and spice, followed by a hint of cigar box. Medium weight with flavours of violets, cedar, blackcurrant, mulberry and spice with cigar box end notes. Displaying great elegance and refinement with excellent depth. Very fine grained tannins, perfect balance, with very long aftertaste of spice, blackcurrant and cedar with some cigar box notes to finish. Alc/Vol: 12.9% Collectors Cabernet. (Tasted 2009).

    • 98
    2016 Mr Riggs Shiraz Signed Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $150. 00
    Bottle
    $1800.00 Dozen
    Cellar: Drink now - 10 Years (2018-2028)
    ABV: 15%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Limited edition, signed by winemaker Ben Riggs - One bottle only!


    This wine is regularly one of the best Shiraz to come out of McLaren Vale, the 2015 vintage awarded best in show at the prestigious 2018 Decanter World Wine Awards. Produced from a blend of two great McLaren Vale Shiraz vineyards; Piebald Gully and Gateway. Piebald Gully is situated in the coolest sub-region of McLaren Vale, bordering the Adelaide Hills. It’s planted in deep sand over at the base of Willunga foothills and is virtually dry grown. Gateway Vineyard, so called as it stands just at the entrance to McLaren Vale, is located in the subregion of Seaview. The vines grow on top of a rather unusual amount of limestone rock and has views of the Gulf of St Vincent and the Adelaide Hills. Components from both vineyards were fermented in traditional open fermenters, and following pressing, finished their fermentation in oak of which approximately 80% was French and the balance American, 35% of which was new oak. The maturation time was 18 months.

    A sublime Shiraz from the maestro of McLaren Vale.

    Impenetrable black as night core with a very deep dark red black hue. Potent ripe blackberry and liquorice aromas soar from the glass trailed by dark plum and dark chocolate nuances. Toasty vanillin oak, light earth and spice also chime in to add further complexity. Intensely concentrated, decadently rich and possessing an opulent textural feel, ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum flavours explode across the palate saturating every inch of the mouth. Subtle dark chocolate, vanillin oak and spice then move in on the back palate. Despite the very plush feel a sturdy structure lurks beneath, the tannins seamlessly integrated and silky smooth. Great fruit purity with an exceptionally powerful finish that’s loaded with lavish black fruits, a touch of dark chocolate, vanillin oak, light earth and spice.
    Drink this rich seductive beauty over the next 10 years.
    Alc. 15%

    • 96
    • 96
    • 95
    2004 Mr Riggs Shiraz Magnum (1500ml)
    McLaren Vale, South Australia, AUSTRALIA
    $250. 00
    Bottle
    $3000.00 Dozen
    ABV: 15%
    Closure: Diam Cork

    Re-tasted on 09/10/2015
    Outstanding depth of colour displaying an inky black core with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Showing good intensity ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum aromas emerge from the glass with underlying vanillin cedar, leather and spice notes. Rich, voluptuously textured and velvety the palate features mouthfilling flavours of ripe blackberry, liquorice and dark plum all caressing the palate. There’s still plenty of fruit here with the tertiary characters just starting to move in. Soft supple mouthfeel with underlying nuances of vanillin cedar, earthy leather and spice. Velvet smooth tannins. Superb depth with a very long silky aftertaste of blackberry, liquorice, dark plum, earthy leather and spicy vanillin oak.
    Alc. 15%

    Tasted on 24/11/2005
    Ben Riggs is a big bloke who is very much at home on a footy field or a basketball court, giving as good as he gets, so one almost intuitively expects that the Mr. Riggs will be as big in stature as the man himself, however, this is not the case. Mr. Riggs Shiraz is about refinement, elegance and force.
    The wine is a total saturate of black purple with black purple hue. The nose is more refined and perfumed than the Penny’s Hill – violet top notes, followed by cedar, spice and blackberry – a wonderful sniffing experience. The palate has elegance and force with explosive flavour power waves. Mouthfilling, with flavour of spice, blackberry, violet infusions, vanilla and white pepper. A wine of exceptional length and depth. Perfect tannin structure, with very long spice, blackberry, vanilla aftertaste. Very Limited stocks.
    Alc/Vol: 15%
    99 Points

    Other reviews....
    The blockbuster 2004 Shiraz was aged 18 months in French oak (40% new). It is a wine of great intensity, with an opaque purple color as well as a gorgeous nose of camphor, graphite, blackberries, tar, and charcoal. Rich, super-pure fruit cascades over the palate of this opaque purple-colored, full-bodied, voluptuously-textured Shiraz. Consume it over the next 6-7 years.
    95 Points
    Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate # 161 (Oct 2005)

    Clean, rich fruit aromas; lush red and black fruits with a juicy twist giving lively mouthfeel and a delicious finish; amazingly light on its 15° alcohol feet. Tasted 2005.
    96 points
    James Halliday's Australian Wine Companion

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