The formula remains the same, one would suggest – ripe fruit, big oak, power, concentration, work the wine to a frenzy of Barossan potential. It’s been a wine with a loyal following for its oomph and regal suggestions. This is a 15.5% labelled release (15% in 2014 sounds better), and it feels more open weave than the previous iteration.
A tank at full speed smashing through the walls of a quilt factory. It’s breathy with heat but there’s ripe, rich, lavish dark fruit and spice woven through the palate. The oak a liquid spice and resinous smoke settling on liquified Black Forest cake and kirsch. Bouquet is curiously reserved, offering more kirsch and sweet cherry elixir character. It’s punchy and breathy, and falls short, despite its caber toss impact on the palate. Big wine, not quite in shape, but a plus sign saying it should settle to a fluid mellowness. Drink 2018-2027
90+ Points - Mike Bennie, The Wine Front.