2016 Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz

97 Points, Tony Love, Wine Pilot
Each of the elements – 68% cabernet sauvignon, and 16% each of shiraz and cabernet franc – spent an average of 11 months in 84% new oak barrels before the blend maturing a further 17 months in a five-year-old 4000l foudre before bottle ageing for 18 months. With all that, the full-bodied complexity and balance is a major achievement, tannin integration and support providing an exact grip and tension to match the impressive fruit concentration. A big, bold and beautiful wine that will offer serious vinous pleasure for 10 to 20 years.

96 Points, Angus Hughson, Wine Pilot
A classic cabernet sauvignon blend that is robust and dense with clear aging potential. Ripe and generous fruit is matched by clove and vanillin from extended oak aging, all of which is underpinned by significant structure. Blackberry, red earth, graphite and white pepper fruits are powerful, yet balanced, and lead to a dry and full-bodied palate defined by a blanket of tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is long and strong, again providing the impression that it will drink very well for at least fifteen years, if not significantly longer.

95 Points, James Haliday, Halliday’s Wine Companion
68% cabernet sauvignon, 16% each of shiraz and cabernet franc. It was crushed and destemmed at the Tapanappa winery, the must fermented in closed (Potter) fermenters, thence to French barriques (44% new) for 11 months, the varieties then blended and matured for a further 17 months in 4000l French foudres. A highly textured wine with a cedary subtext to the polished mix of purple and black fruits.