2018 Terre a Terre Crayeres Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz

95 Points, Andrea Pritzker MW, Wine Pilot
Aromas of ripe mulberry, black plum and eucalypt unfold to reveal a rich, full bodied palate with a generous core of blackberry and blackcurrant supported by a firm backbone of al dente tannins. A harmonious blend that whilst still tightly wound, will unfurl with time, offering rich rewards in the cellar.  

94 Points, Tony Love, Wine Pilot
The fruit notes on the palate are glorious: the whole package feels like it is wearing a black evening dress, which perhaps reflects a nine-month rest in 21% new oak for each of the varieties then a further nine months in old foudre casks. Classicism personified. The shiraz adds a little mid-palate plumpness without sweetening or dominating the flavour profile, while not surprisingly the wine is coated with classic cab-shiraz tannins, balanced neatly in the mouth to be long, even and delicious. 

94 Points, Jeni Port, Wine Pilot
For what it’s worth, there is 1% Cabernet Franc in this classic Aussie blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (62%) and Shiraz (37%). Why? 

The grape’s lifted aromatics is a mighty appealing add on, and this is a wine that celebrates fruit: those juicy, generous balls of black and red berries are in fine form.

Maybe the vintage did the leading here and the winemaker followed. The 2018 vintage was warmer than usual. Ripeness is clearly not a problem, with the wine boasting 14.5% alcohol. And it also seems to have inspired the maker to employ 21% new French oak. The fruit slurps it up and the result is a beautifully balanced wine.

Unrestrained, buoyant scent of black fruits, pomegranate and spice rise from the glass. The palate, well-meshed and almost voluptuous by Hills standards, brings life to the classic Aussie red blend now sadly in a continuing sales decline since the grand 70s and 80s