This shiraz-dominant blend was matured for 18 months in a mix of new and used American and French oak. It is richer, denser and more luscious than in most vintages, but retains excellent balance. Seek and ye shall find licorice, spice, blackberry and mulberry, framed by oak and abundant, ripe tannins. Deserves to sit alongside Penfolds Bin 389, but is usually forgotten.
96 points James Halliday
Deep, bright purple/red colour. The bouquet is chocolaty, blackberry and mocha-like, and it's full-bodied and chunky with ample, firm tannins and a touch of oakiness in taste. It's savoury, oak-infused and a little disjointed, but there is plenty to like. It's young and a little aging may help bring it all together, as well as soften and mellow the structure. It has the raw ingredients of a top bottle.