92
points
Charles Cimicky 2004 The Autograph Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
-
$45
Gorgeously expressive, with mixed berry fruit that runs the gamut from mulberries to blueberries and blackberries, but also hints of coffee, black olive and a big whack of vanilla-scented oak. Full-bodied, lush and creamy, with a velvety finish, this should drink well now and over the next 10 years or more.
— J.C.
(11/1/2007)
92
points
Charles Cimicky 1997 Signature Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
-
$30
A huge, very intense, ripe and extracted wine. Shows a complex nose of berry fruit, earth, briar, spice and smoke that opens to a mouthful of dense spicecake, black-cherry and vanilla flavors. Full and rich, velvety mouthfeel. Interesting tart-sweet finish with an anise note. Delicious, but a challenging food pairing. Almost dessert-like, and possibly best as such.
— W.E.
(3/1/2000)
91
points
Charles Cimicky 1997 The Red Blend (Barossa Valley)
-
$30
Has all the components of a crowd-pleaser: an intense, refined nose, fruit-forwardness, sizable oak treatment and a big finish. Right from the start it pounds forward, but just when you are convinced it’s maybe too rambunctious, it pulls back to show nuances of smoke, coffee and pepper. The milk chocolate note also helps out.
— M.S.
(3/1/2000)
90
points
Charles Cimicky 1998 Reserve Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
-
$40
This big, broad-shouldered Shiraz is brimming with flavor and ready to drink now. The bright, deep ruby/black robe sets you up for the full, persistent blackberry fruit that follows, and the palate doesn’t disappoint. This has very good balance, a chewy mouthfeel, and finishes long, with full but even tannins.
— W.E.
(6/1/2001)
90
points
Charles Cimicky 2008 Trumps Shiraz (Barossa Valley)
-
$20
A strong effort from Cimicky, the 2008 Trumps displays ample complexity in its hints of chocolate, coffee, cedar, blueberries and baking spices, then puts all of that in a soft, creamy, mouthfilling package tinged with licorice on the finish. Drink now.
— J.C.
(7/1/2011)