Shiraz Shiraz And More Shiraz 

With Paul Ippolito

This is a wine article that I never thought would eventuate. Whilst I realise that Shiraz is one of our most popular red wine varietals in this country, I was somewhat overwhelmed about how much of the stuff we are actually producing nowadays as evidenced by the samples that rolled in and rolled in and kept rolling in for this tasting.

From north, south, east and west they came and came and came. So as you can see, many Shiraz upon Shiraz was opened, perused, assessed and ultimately enjoyed all in the name of telling your good selves what I thought of most of them. The only problem seemed to be coping with the ever flowing influx of wines. But hey we finally got there and here it is for you.

Making some generalisations as you do in these types of occasions - in most cases below the tasting notes speaks volumes about the quality of wines. The scores in points which most of you chase and seem to value so much are included but let me tell you there wasn’t too much between each of wines at the cusp of each of the categories. 

Please do not get too hung up on the points (and certainly don’t just go out and buy the X! points ones alone!)- go on read a few of the notes of some of the labels you might like to try and if it seems to be the style of wine you might like - well splash out and try it!

Australian winemakers should hold their collective heads up high knowing that they are producing very high quality, distinctive and quite reflective regional styles of Shiraz that are consumer friendly and good food wines. 

Whether fruit driven or more stylish and savoury in orientation, nearly all the Shiraz submitted and tasted afforded quality and value drinking. No wonder the overseas markets have embraced this varietal with such gusto. There was and is literally something for everyone and it is only a matter of doing a bit of research (wine related and of the drinking type) to work out what the Shiraz for you is.

I hope you enjoying sampling a few of these!

Rating Scale - Points Out Of 100.

98-100 - Exceptional
95-97 - Superb
91-94 - Excellent
88-90 - Very Good  
85-87 - Good

Under $20 Price Bracket

Superb - (95 - 97 Points)

Jim Barry “Lodge Hill” 2004 – Clare Valley – purply crimson violet – luscious, gorgeous and impressive – blackberry, cherry, charred plums with liquorice and chocolate/ mocha characters - intense – polished and delicious fruit flavours – persistent, obvious, pure and distinctive in nature – fresh and lively acidity – a savoury edge as well – quite a stylish wine with seamless balance and extended length – drinking beautifully - should cellar 7-8 years - $18 - 95/100.

Excellent - (91-94 Points)

Climbing 2004 – Central Ranges NSW – purple crimson – impressively deep in colour - blackberry, liquorice tar, earthy and chocolate follow on nose - vibrant and intense – spicy and smoky – persistent and pure distinctive fruit characters – fragrant and yet quite concentrated – overall a fruit focussed style but with elegance – still youthful - silky and soft tannins – 5-7 years plus - $18 – 94/100.

Kilikanoon Killerman’s Run 2004 – purple crimson – pure and fragrant fruit – deep dark sour red cherries - persistent and delicious blackberries - quite high alcohol but good acidity and firm oak – aniseed, liquorice, prunes and spicy plums on palate – fine lingering tannins – long length – 6-7 years plus –$17 - 94/100.

Blue Pyrenees Estate 2003 – Avoca, Victoria – deep purple crimson – luscious and gorgeously fresh – quite aromatic – black pepper and spice - blueberries and plums –  elegant - a savoury touch with black olives and black fruits on the palate - smooth and velvety tannins – a hint of earthy character – lingers long – 7-8 years plus – $17 - 93/100.

Preece 2004 – purple crimson – youthful and aromatic – luscious, gorgeous and vibrant – spicy dark fruits – blackberry, liquorice and chocolate - polished and persistent – deep and concentrated – fresh acidity – delicious to drink – stylish yet ample bodied – lingering aftertaste – integrated, smoky and roasted oak characters – powdery tannins – cellar 5 plus years – $18 - 92/100.

Ingoldby 2004 –McLaren Vale – deep dark ripe plums – gorgeously vibrant – polished deep fragrant fruit – blackberry, plums and liquorice - spice filled – fresh acidity – an elegant stylish wine – lingering long – glossy oak with nutmeg and cinnamon – smooth silky tannins – 5-6 plus years - $16 – 91/100.

Knappstein 2003 – Clare Valley – elegant – rich ripe plum in colour – still youthful – ripe dark berry fruits – luscious blueberry, blackberry and spicy plums – ample bodied, smooth fruit focussed – well rounded with fine tannins - well integrated oak and a long delicious finish – easy drinking – 7 plus years – $16 - 91/100

Saltram Next Chapter 2003 – Barossa – blackish purple crimson – luscious and intense – spicy strong black fruits – blackberry, charred plums - aniseed, liquorice, menthol with liqueur chocolate – plump and concentrated fruit flavours – good alcohol – potent and generous in palate – extended length – seamless balance – totally integrated – 5-7 years plus – $17 - 91/100.

Brands Of Coonawarra 2002 – Coonawarra – brick to garnet red – intense – abundant cherry and blackberry - menthol, aniseed and liquorice - smoky and strong vanillin hints – distinctive, deep, potent and intense – ample bodied - solid and muscular – well balanced – smooth tannins - 5-7 years plus - $19 – 91/100.

Mount Moliagul 2003 - Bendigo - blackish purple - luscious and impressive - intense - blackberry, pluminess, liquorice and milk chocolate - distinctive deep dark fruits on the palate - potent and intense - varietal - quite muscular - seamless in balance - totally integrated oak with coconut and spice - 6-8 years - $18 - 91/100.

Gemtree 2005 – McLaren Vale – pure youthful inky blackish purple – deep and dark- exudes freshness, vibrancy and vitality – a litany of blueberry, blackberry and plum fruit – pure and a touch earthy – marked and lively acidity – lean and taut – quite elegant with seamless young oak and superfine tannins – 8-10 years - $19 -91/100.

Very Good (88-90 Points)

Mount Pleasant Classic 2004 – Hunter Valley - deep dark purple crimson – spicy with black pepper and raspberries abound – blue and blackberries follow – luscious fruit – noticeable but well integrated vanillin oak – touch of gamey and sweaty characters – fresh, smooth and superfine tannins – long length – ripe raspberries on a well rounded palate – 6-8 years – $15- 90/100.

Robertson Well 2004 – Coonawarra – plum colour – powerful nose with  blackberry, nutmeg spice, pluminess, aniseed, tar and sweaty character –  quite impressive – smoky and tannic – obvious deep dark black fruits – strong backbone – solid – long length – cedary oak with roasted hints – smooth silky tannins – 5-7 years – 89/100.

Rolling 2004 - Central Ranges NSW - ripe plum - touch complex - think cherry, mulberry and blackberry – hint of aniseed and liquorice - earthy and sweaty character - vibrant - a hint of smoky character - persistent and quite distinctive fruit - impressive - taut, elegant and stylish- 4-6 years - $17 - 89/100.

Mitchelton 2003 – ripe plum, brick and garnet red hints – gorgeously spicy -  mulberry and blackberry with soy, red earth and a savoury edge - persistent, distinctive - deeply concentrated - soft acidity – delicious – long length and well-balanced – coconut and spicy oak – an approachable easy drinking wine – 5-7 years – $18 - 89/100.

Kirrihill Estate Companion 2004 – Clare Valley - garnet red with purple hints – deep dark blackberry fruit, sweet red cherries – really fruit driven – quite high alcohol, touch warm – good acidity though – smooth and delicious on the palate – all dark fruits with fine tannins and integrated good influential oak – 5 years - $16 – 88/100.

Tahbilk 2002 – Central Victoria – purply red – blueberries and blackberries – lots of ripe sweet fruit – good firm oak – lingering length – good fine tannins – well rounded combination of flavours as spicy plum, blackberry, chocolate and a touch of black sweet liquorice – 6-8 years - $15 – 88/100.

Good (85-87 Points)

Four Sisters 2004 – violet ruby ripe plum – floral and upfront – vibrant – fruit driven - spicy, stylish and youthful - well balanced – totally integrated oak – smooth tannins – fruit driven – soft – plums, plums and more plums – 5 years – $12 - 87/100.

Hanwood 2004 – crimson violet – gorgeous and vibrant – polished and persistent fruit – plums, red cherry, sweet blackberry and black liquorice - distinctively fruit driven – plenty of sweet ripe fruit – delicious to savour– integrated oak – smooth tannins – good value - $10 – 3-4 years – 87/100.

Tahbilk 2003- Central Victoria – purple crimson violet – ripe plum – vibrant – spicy – polished persistent pure fruit – pluminess, blackberry, oven baked meats, aniseed and liquorice - distinctive and concentrated – silky and soft - ample bodied – long aftertaste – powdery fine tannins – still young – 6-8 years – $15 - 87/100.

McWilliams Mt Pleasant Philip 2002 – Hunter Valley - garnet red - pleasant – vibrant – mulberry, blackberry and raspberry – earthy hints, spice filled and touch  smoky – persistent deep distinctive fruit – potent – fresh acidity – typically varietal  – medium bodied – long length – cedary cigar box oak – superfine tannins – 5 -7 years plus - $18 - 87/100.

Pepper Tree Australia Range 2003 – deep dark crimson red – young, tight and concentrated black fruit - spice filled - savoury – liquorice, anise and dried herbs -  good alcohol – smooth and well rounded - balanced fruit and oak components – medium finish – 5-8 years plus - $18  - 86/100.

Lindemans Bin 50 2005 -  violet ruby – vibrant young and fresh –uplifted red and black fruits – clean, obvious and concentrated sweet fruit – delicious – medium length – nice mouthfeel – quite a long aftertaste – silky and soft – easy drinking now – $8 - 86/100.

Between $20 - $40 Price Bracket

Superb (95-97 Points)

Red Nectar 2005 – Barossa Valley – blackish, purple crimson – complex – vibrant and intense - raspberry, cherry, mulberry and blackberry fruits flow – savoury - meaty, dusty and earthy– potent and generous – stylish – lingering length – seamless in delivery – nutmeg, spicy and caramel oak – smooth and well rounded tannins – 6-7 years plus- $25 – 95/100.

Excellent (91-94 Points)

Margan 2004 – Hunter Valley – purply crimson – youthful and fresh – red and dark berry fruits abound – blueberries, blackberries and raspberries flow – fresh and lively acidity with seamless oak – elegant – well rounded on the palate - luscious raspberry flavours linger long - fine grainy tannins – 7-8 years plus - $20 - 94/100.

Barnadown Run – Heathcote – purple crimson – luscious, gorgeous and impressive - vibrant and intense – obvious persistent fruit –raspberry, pure blackberry and plums - liquorice and chocolate – concentrated and potent – fresh acidity – serious – mouth watering flavours – extended length with seamless oak - smooth velvety tannins – 8 plus years - $35 - 93/100.

Cape Mentelle 2004 – Margaret River- purple crimson – complex and aromatic – vibrant - polished pure and distinctive fruit – ripe raspberries, deep red sour cherries and fragrant violets – fruit driven but with a savoury edge - liquorice and earthy - refreshing lively acidity – serious – generous – extended length with integrated oak and silky tannins – 6-9 years - $37. 93/100.

Capercaillie Celidih 2002 – purply crimson – youthful and fresh – ripe satsuma plums and blackcurrants – nice touch of cedary oak  - well balanced – fruit driven – well rounded with a lingering finish – a really good food wine – lovely aftertaste – moreish - $28 – 7-9 years. 93/100.

Langanook 2004 – Bendigo – purple crimson – youthful – vibrant, polished and concentrated fruit – spicy blackberry and ripe plums – hints of black sweet liquorice - delicious – serious and impressive – a stylish wine with a strong backbone – well balanced with seamless oak and fine silky superfine tannins – 7 plus years -$23 -   93/100.

Hungerford Hill 2004 - Hunter Valley - brilliant crimson violet - classy and vibrant - touch of spicy and smoky features - polished, delicious, well rounded, persistent fruit - varietal - hints of earth and leather - medium bodied in style - classic  blueberry, blackberry, raspberry and red cherries - good length - lovely mouthfeel - 7 plus years - $25 - 93/100.

O’Leary Walker 2004 – Clare Valley and McLaren Vale - blackish dark purple - liqueur ripe sweet blackberry - intense rich plums in a plum pudding kind of way - magnificent aromas - sweet ripe fruit with a savoury edge - fuller bodied - well rounded and smooth – good alcohol, robust, solid oak influence with assertive fine tannins – still young – 8-9 years - $22 – 93/100.

Bremerton Selkirk 2004 – purple crimson with ripe plum hints – impressive, vibrant and intense – delicious fruit – raisined blackberry, pluminess, liqueury and milk chocolate - persistent and concentrated - fruit driven in nature – mouth-watering and delicious to drink – ample sweet ripe fruit, solid and well balanced – spicy oak with coffee essences – smooth tannins – 3-5 years – $20 - 92/100.

Capercaillie Ceilidh 2004 – blackish purply crimson – vibrant and intense – blackberry, charred plums, aniseed and liquorice, sweaty, dark chocolate and earthy filled – red cherries - spicy and smoky – persistent distinctive deep concentrated fruits – fresh acidity – lingering length – smooth velvety tannins – 6-8 years plus - $30 - 92/100.

Langanook 2003 – Bendigo – purple crimson – still young – rich ripe blackberry and plum – touch of spicy fruit – quite elegant yet a robust red – fresh acidity with well melded oak – well made - quite high alcohol - fine grainy tannins – smooth velvety plum finish on the palate  - lovely chocolate and sweet liquorice – lingers long – delicious – 6-7 years plus - $25. 92/100.

Mt Pleasant Rosehill 2000 – Hunter Valley - brick red garnet – complex and impressive – polished fruit with persistent and distinctive characters – blackberry and charred plums - meaty and dusty - sweaty, earthy and savoury - delicious – well balanced with spicy, nutmeg and smoky oak- silky superfine tannins - 6-8 years plus - $35 – 91/100.  

Madfish Gold Turtle 2004 – Frankland River WA – youthful purple – tight – liquorice, black fruits, black olive aromas all flow – elegant, stylish – seamless oak, superfine tannins – concentrated restrained deep dark fruit – a long future ahead – a good food wine - 7– 8 plus years - $23 – 91/100.  

Beresford 2004 – McLaren Vale – deep young purple – rich aromas of liqueury intense blackberry, blueberry and sour red cherries – distinctive, fresh and lively – complexity through touch of mocha, tar, liquorice and prune - well rounded -seamless, cedary oak and fruit in sync – 7-9 years – $25 - 91/100.

Tatachilla 2002 – McLaren Vale – dark purple crimson – pure blackberry and sweet red cherry fruit – quite aromatic – lots of spice, nutmeg and cinnamon, black olive – a savoury edge to it – smooth - well balanced oak - mocha and chocolate on the finish – well structured and easy drinking –$22 - 91/100.   

Very Good (88-90 Points)

Tyrrells Rufus Stone 2004 - Heathcote – dark deep blackish purple – thick with beautiful aromatics – quite luscious – upfront – blackberry and deep dark sour cherries – lashings of liquorice and deep dark chocolate – firm oak, well rounded – a big wine but well balanced – extended length and seamless in mouthfeel – still young - $25 – 90/100.  

Lamberts Special Reserve 2004 – spicy and luscious – pure blackberries, plums and white pepper– smooth velvet finish – well rounded - lingers long – good strong alcohol – chocolate and plums on finish – 7 years plus - $30 – 90/100.

Meerea Park The Aunts Shiraz 2004 - youthful crimson purple - deep dark sour cherries abound - hint of earthiness and game character - intense blackberries - alcohol is noticeable, the cedary oak less so - palate is all blackberry and plums – quite a meaty texture with a savoury edge - 5-7 years - $26 - 90/100.

Wandin Valley Estate Bridie’s Reserve 2003 - typically Hunter Shiraz – deep dark blackish purple - pure blackberry fruit, liquorice and earthy in aromas - intensely spicy - brooding, upfront and floral - delicious smooth well rounded blackberry and plum flavours on the palate – well structured, firm tannins and good oak - 5-7 plus years- $28 – 89/100.

Stringybrae 2002 - Clare Valley - purple crimson - polished and persistent fruit - spicy plums, savoury black fruits, touch of soy and slight menthol - medium bodied -  balanced and a good finish - seamless oak and smooth tannins - easy to drink - well rounded mouth feel - 5 years plus - $20-  89/100.

Tatachilla McLaren Vale 2004 –inky purple – fruit driven – blackberry, pure blueberry and liquorice - subdued sweet oak - luscious fresh fruit flavours – dark berry fruits - ample bodied – seamless - fine tight young tannins – lingering long – 7 plus years – $23- 89/100.

Alexandra Ridge 2003 – Margaret River – crimson violet ruby – aromatic and impressive – persistent quite obvious dark berry fruits- concentrated and deep distinctive flavours – liquorice and chocolate - potent – extended length – totally integrated oak – silky superfine tannins – 5-6 years - $35 – 89/100.

Austin’s Barrabool – Geelong, Victoria – vibrant purple crimson – blueberries and sour red cherries – fragrant and lifted fruits – quite elegant – refined – liquorice and mocha flavours - smooth blue and blackberries – spicy oak, well balanced – a good food wine – 5-7 years - $25 – 89/100.

Barfold Estate – Heathcote – crimson with purple hues – aromatic plum with rich deep dark fruits – intense – plenty of ripeness with a fair bit of spice – smooth and luscious – a lovely mouthfeel – vanillin oak nuances – lingers long – medium to full bodied – 6-8 years – $25 - 89/100.

BlackJack 2004 – Bendigo - deep purple crimson – candy shop liquorice, blueberry, hints of plum – young and a touch raw – elegant – smooth and rich blackberries on the palate with liquorice and plums – lingering with well integrated oak – 5-7 years - $35. 89/100.

Five Geese 2004 - McLaren Vale - crimson purple – very youthful and fresh – uplifted violets, sour red cherries and ripe plums - vibrant and classy - elegant polished persistent fruit – touch spicy as well as savoury – black liquorice, charred plums, sour cherry with earthy overtures – impressive length – superfine tannins – stylish – 5-7 years - $25. 89/100.

Mandurang Valley 2003 – Bendigo – ruby ripe plum – vibrant and spicy – mulberry, blackberry, charred plum - hints of menthol - quite tannic with vanillin oak hints – persistent concentrated fragrant fruit – quite intense with a fair bit of grunt - earthy – long in finish – smooth tannins and well rounded - 5 -7 years – $22 - 89/100.

De Bortoli Gulf Station 2003 – Yarra Valley - crimson with garnet red hints – complex nose – truffles, earthy, forest floor – underpinned by fragrant blackberry and blueberry – distinctive and persistent yet also elegant – black olives, liquorice and spicy plums – still young – soft superfine tannins – subtle integrated oak – medium finish – 4-5 years plus – $29 – 89/100

Kirrihill Estates 2003 – Deep dark purple crimson – luscious and vibrant – oak and spice influenced – delicious persistent black fruits – deep and strong at first – ample sweet ripe fruit as well as touch of aniseed and earthy warming character – long length – cigar box and smoky roasted oak – superfine tannins – 5-7 years - $25 – 88/100.

Leeuwin Estate Art Series 2003 – Margaret River – garnet red with ruby hints –  mulberry, blackberry, dusty and earthy, spice pepper - quite pleasant – spice filled – slightly restrained – medium bodied – stylishly elegant – medium length of finish. well rounded – silky smooth tannins – medium dry style – good alcohol – $35 – 88/100.

Rufus Stone 2004 - McLaren Vale - deep dark blackish purple - spicy red raspberries, dark berry fruits, rich ripe plums, salami and cold meats – a touch earthy – hints of coconut and spicy oak – quite a savoury style of red – long and lingering with quite firm tannins – 5-7 years - $22 – 88/100.

St Hallett Faith 2004 – Barossa Valley – bright youthful purple – fragrant and liquorice – spicy blackberry – polished fruit and vibrant – fruit driven – seamless oak – soft and well rounded – fine tannins – touch of menthol and milk chocolate on palate – medium length – 4-6 years - $21 – 88/100.

Pondalowie 2004 – Bendigo – inky purple – young – fresh and vibrant – spicy peppery blackberry fruit- savoury – dried herbs – aniseed and mocha characters – soft smooth and fine tannins with seamless oak - 5 plus years - $25 – 88/100.  

Barwang 2001 –Hilltops NSW - deep dark blackish purple- dark fruits – blackberry, blueberry, mulberry and plums- cedary oak – charred and roasted meat juices, hints of nutmeg – spicy, robust and well structured – fine tannins – smooth – soft and well rounded – well integrated - 5 years – $25 – 88/100.

Over $40 Price Bracket

Superb (95-97 Points)

Tyrrells DB 24 2003 – McLaren Vale – purple crimson ripe plum – aromatic luscious and impressive, vibrant and intense – polished delicious persistent pure fruit – ripe rich sweet plums, touch of black olive, raisined blackberries, liquorice and earthy character - distinctive and deep – concentrated and potent – kick of acidity – serious - generous – lingering length – seamless balance – totally integrated oak with smooth velvety tannins – 7-10 years - $75. 95/100.

Charles Melton 2004 – Barossa Valley – blackish purple crimson – complex and savoury – impressive polished persistent fruit – black olive, raspberry, blackberry, charred plums, bitter liquorice and dark chocolate - dry in style - pure and distinctive – powerful and potent – serious – mouth watering – delicious – medium to full bodied – muscular and robust – long aftertaste – lingering length – smoky, roasted, coffee mocha oak – smooth and superfine tannins – 7-9 years plus - $55 – 95/100.

Excellent (91-94 Points)

Wynns Michael 2003 – Coonawarra - youthful purple crimson – vibrant, fresh and lively fruit – distinctive and stylish - pure deep concentrated black fruits - delicious, smooth and seamless - oak is pronounced and firm - silky fine grainy tannins – elegant in structure - 8-10 plus years- $75 - 94/100.

Brokenwood Graveyard Vineyard Shiraz 2004 - crimson violet ripe plum colour - classy yet aromatic - luscious - gorgeous and impressive - vibrant yet intense - - polished delicious fruit characters – blackberry, liquorice, touch of red earth and red cherries - concentrated varietally – lively soft acidity – lingering in length – quite seamless in mouthfeel – oak which is totally integrated with smooth superfine tannins – quite elegant – 7 plus years – $100 - 94/100.

Tahbilk Reserve 2000 - deep dark crimson purple garnet red hues - impressive and luscious - spicy, intense and cedary oak - smooth distinctive and persistent fruit - serious - ample bodied - sweet ripe dark berry fruits - blackberry, charred plums, raspberries and touch of aniseed - smooth fine tannins - complex - 10 years plus - $70 - 93/100.

Pepper Tree Grand Reserve – Wrattonbully, SA – purple garnet red hints – rich ripe fruit – spicy plums with peppery nuances – earthy rich deep aromas – intense mulberry and blueberries – medium bodied – full in mouthfeel – rich and round – smooth fine tannins – lingering and seamless – spicy oak – 7 plus years – $100- 92/100.

Mitchelton Print 2002 – deep rich purple garnet red – big and powerful – assertive – rich deep dark berry fruit – pure – intense – spice filled – savoury in style – coffee mocha – liquorice, blackberry and cherry – quite stylish – superfine ripe tannins, influential yet seamless oak – 10 years plus – $45 - 92/100.

Tatachilla Foundation 2001 – deep dark crimson red – rich ripe plums, mulberry, blackcurrants and blackberries – aromatic – gorgeous, vibrant and intense – sweet ripe fruit – black liquorice – concentrated and deep flavours – coconut and sweet oak characters – touch of savoury on the finish – smooth velvety finish – 7-9 years - $50 – 92/100.

Dominique Portet 2004 – Heathcote – ripe plum crimson – young and fresh – tight and restrained at first – abundant plums, blackberry and deep red cherries – liquorice and anise – smooth and soft with superfine tannins – seamless oak – purity of fruit abounds – lingering long with well roundedness and elegancy – 7-10 years- $42 - 91/100.

Heathcote Estate 2004 - crimson purple - sour cherry fruit - tight and restrained at first then opens up to reveal layers of blackberries and hints of charred spicy plums - smooth and elegant - silky lingering tannins - a medium finish with black liquorice and dark chocolate - 5-7 years plus - $46 - 91/100.

Very Good (88-90 Points)

Rogues Lane Vineyard Shiraz 2003 - Heathcote - deep dark purple - tight and restrained with pure blackberry and blueberry fruit with hints of spice, nutmeg and liquorice - strong and concentrated - earthy dimension - lively fresh acidity - big, rich and concentrated - a well rounded smooth and balanced wine - fine grainy tannins emanating from integrated oak - lingers very long with the purity and intensity of the fruit rising to the occasion – 8-10 years - $70 – 89/100.

Kirrihill Estate Reserve Shiraz 2002 - plum brick red – complex - impressive, intense and spicy – lashings of deep rich blackberry, charred plums, liquorice, milk chocolate - hints of vanillin and smoky oak –delicious fruit - distinctive - serious, ample bodied - thick muscular structure - long in length – well balanced – 6-8 years – $50 - 89/100.

Tahbilk 1860’s 2001 – purple crimson violet ruby – impressive, vibrant and intense – powerful nose – persistent and obvious fruit – distinctive and concentrated – balanced acidity – delicious – long length and well balanced – integrated oak – fine tannins – black olive, blackberry and menthol, earthy – midweight – silky and soft – 8-9 years - $120 - 89/100.

Tahbilk Reserve 2001 - deep dark crimson purple - dark fresh berry fruits and forest floor aromas - blackberry dominates with light spice and touch of dark savoury cherry - complex - smooth and distinctive - well rounded - fine tannins - medium bodied - quite elegant - 5-7 years plus - $70 - 88/100.

Paul can be contacted by email at Paul_Ippolito@hotmail.com where you can also request to be placed on his mailing list for his wine newsletter.

About Paul Ippolito.