Critic Reviews
99 Points - Ray Jordan, rayjordan.com.au
“Another simply sublime edition of this great wine. The volume of fruit was down almost 60% but the small berry influence has added even more intensity and depth, if that is possible with this wine. Interesting point of difference is that the combination is slightly different from previous vintages with 90% cabernet sauvignon, 3% cabernet franc and 7% petit verdot. The petit verdot certainly brings a darker berry influence with slightly firmer tannins. The aromas are a seductively perfumed with a combination of violet and redcurrant with a subtle black olive and mulberry. But the palate, oh the palate, is simply a joy. Smooth graceful lines with fine chalky tannins supply essential definition and support and harmoniously played oak. At the moment it is quite restrained but with age, a treasure trove of delights will be released. It is a wine destined for even greater things. Extraordinary.”
98 Points - James Halliday, Wine Companion
“Pulsating with sweet fruits and velvety mouthfeel, it only takes a split second for this wine to establish its greatness in the pantheon of cabernet sauvignons grown around the world. The unusual decision to include 7% petit verdot picked at 15.2? baume (cropped more heavily than the cabernet and picked over a week later) doubtless played its part, but its synergy with the cabernet (and a soupçon of 3% cabernet franc) must have given much pleasure and justified pride. Nature being what it is, the cabernet sauvignon yield was 40% down at 4.5t/ha. All in all, though, this is a cabernet to melt a pinot noir addict's heart.”
95 Points - Ned Godwin, jamessuckling.com
“A legend of the Australian fine wine scene, with an enviable track record of ageable grandeur. Full-weighted, to be sure, yet far from obvious as the pummel of classy mocha oak and impeccably gleaned grape tannins expand and recoil with air. All class. Detailed, fine boned and juicy. Currant, bay leaf, graphite and hedgerow, evidencing Australia’s propensity to promote a controlled lilt of greenness for lift and freshness, over the American tendency to massage it out. I far prefer the former approach. This will make fine old bones. Best after 2026.”
95 Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
“90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, 7% Petit Verdot. 17% new oak. Red and black fruit, something of an aniseed pastille thing here too, some floral notes, tobacco, cedar, and baking spice. It’s medium-bodied, kind of svelte and evenly weighted, just a little toasty oak, with some black olive and nori savoury elements. the tannin is quiet, and kind of latent, but swish it about in your mouth a bit, and their quality is revealed, especially on the long finish. I think this is going to be a beautiful wine with requisite bottle age, and is likely to rate (even) higher in time.”
