Both opened and left to breath for a couple of hours.
Vat 9:
Good Hunter nose of earth and spice with a little of the secondary leather starting to show through. This follows through somewhat into the palate but also adding a deep plum as well. Good flavurs with a drying finish and still some acid left. This will get better over the next few years. Good wine, enjoyed it.
Yarra Hills Shiraz.
'99 wasn't a great year in the Yarra Valley, so I wasn't expecting too much from this wine, but got a pleasant suprise instead.
A good earthy, plum nose with some power behind it, that on the palate displayed an enjoyable full mouthfeel, a little spice added to the plum and earth and a good length on the finish with ripe rounded tannins. Will definately get better with some more years under the belt. Not a blockbuster, but very enjoyable.
Rory