Deep ruby red hue. Blackberry pastille and choc-mint aromas. Medium to full bodied with rich chocolate notes over ripe purple fruits. A touch of wakame adds savoury edge. Good length, tannins integrated, finishing dry but supple. Points: 92/100
Brooding and intense with aromas of blackberries, dark plums, black olives, cracked pepper, iron and cured meats. The palate is full-bodied with densely packed tannins and a firm, textural mouthfeel. Powerful and savory with good structure and length. Drink or hold. Screw cap. Points: 93/100
No winemaking details, so not sure what differentiates the reserve from its sibling, straight shiraz, aside from a heavier bottle and certainly oak as this is dripping with cedary, sweet wood, and it's dominating (back label states aged 18 months in French oak, but percentage of new not known). Yet the fruit within is very good, dark, spiced plums, ironstone and aniseed, a hint of pepper. The full-bodied palate comes coated with ripe, plush tannins, fresh acidity, then the sweet oak comes whooshing through. Points: 92/100
