The Auswine Forum

I've been buying from this producer on and off since first visiting in 1995. I've rarely drunk them at this age though.

Deep purple in colour, bright around the rim, but fairly impenetrable in the middle. Powerful nose with stewed dark plums, dark choc / cocoa powder, rich earth, leather, cloves and vanilla. The palate is similarly powerful, with ripe dark (and developed) fruits flooding the palate. Tannins are integrated but there's a noticeable drying sensation, along with strong supporting acid. There's considerable palate weight, and a big kick of flavour on the back palate, leading to (no surprise) a very long finish.

Very good indeed, and no signs of starting its decline.

Cheers
Allan

My last bottle of this tonight.

Similar tasting note to 18 months ago, although fruits are starting to head into the ered spectrum, while retaining the power of some dark fruits. Cocoa abounds (in a good way), and the nose is fabulous, with more of the cloves and vanilla supporting the fruit and cocoa. Leather seem to have disappeared, as has the earthiness.

Tannins and acid have both taken a back seat, as has the drying palate previously noted. The wine has softened, and there's still a lot of flavour on the finish, just a little more gentle.

Not likely to improve, but in a really nice place now. Textbook McLaren Vale shiraz.

Cheers
Allan