Full-bodied, lushly textured and definitely approachable, this Cab takes superripe fruit flavors of plum and cassis, then wraps them in layers of barrel-derived complexity: smoke, cedar, coffee and molasses all cosset the fruit. Finishes long. So open now, there’s no need for aging.
— J.C.
(2/1/2008)
Veteran winemaker Wayne Thomas has crafted a prototypical Australian Cabernet, mingling mint and eucalyptus notes with cassis fruit and a touch of chocolaty oak. The texture is creamy enough to suggest early drinkability, yet there are also velvety-dusty tannins that should enable the wine to develop over the next several years.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)
Like many McLaren Vale Shirazes, this one seems to fall somewhere between the full-blown Barossa style and the herb- and spice-driven styles of cooler climates. There’s a minty edge to the blackberry fruit, espresso notes similar to those found in the northern Rhône, and firm tannins on the finish. Try after 2008.
— J.C.
(12/15/2006)
Fruit flavors on the palate are focused and at the forefront; oak intervention is minimal but for a brambly, black-peppery accent. Medium and smooth on the palate, with deep plum, blackberry and tea aromas. A very nice wine; 500 cases produced. Imported by The Australian Wine Connection.
— D.T.
(8/1/2006)
Perplexing to evaluate, with hints of slightly roasted, overripe fruit yet starching tannins as well, making its future evolution unclear. Blackberry and chocolate flavors finish firm and hard-edged now, but does the fruit have the freshness to last? Drink now, with rare beef or lamb to help tame the tannins, or cellar until 2012.
— J.C.
(3/1/2008)
The bouquet is complex—mixing black cherries and plums, vanilla and spice—the flavors dark and chocolaty, the mouthfeel creamy and dense. Impressively rich, just lacks a spark, finishing a bit heavy. With its high alcohol (15.5%) and concentration, this is probably best paired with the cheese course.
— J.C.
(6/1/2007)
Fresh and gingery on the nose, this an attractive 100% Chardonnay sparkler with assertive flavors of green apple, lime and toast. It’s slightly creamy in the mouth, yet finishes long and crisp, with plenty of refreshing zest.
— J.C.
(8/1/2007)
Winemaker Wayne Thomas passed away last year, but not before crafting this elegant Cabernet. It shows savory notes of mushroom and roasted meat as well as more traditional aromas and flavors of plum and chocolate. It's medium-bodied and slightly creamy in texture, ending with dusty, silky tannins. Drink now-2012.
— J.C.
(11/1/2008)