Penfolds pinots always seem to have an air of having been assembled by an expert in shiraz and cabernet. In 2012, this translates into a tightly wound palate scaffolded with firm, fine tannins. The aim here is a pinot for the long-term, which Gago admits is more robust than some. It’s a savoury style of […]

read

Depth and definition of fruit elevate 2010 among the great 389s of all time, displaying immaculate tension between concentration, vibrant lift and structural assuredness that make it both enticing right away and charge it with the stamina to live very long. Built around a core of Coonawarra cabernet and Barossa shiraz, with support from Wrattonbully, […]

read

In classic 2010 style, Bin 407 is approachable from the outset, yet with a tremendous future before it. With magnificent colour, intensity and purity, this is a wine of inky power of deep-set blackcurrant, black plum and cassis fruit of seamless line and incredible persistence. Yet for all of its concentration, it retains a lightness […]

read

2010 was a sensational season for Marananga, capturing the sweet, lush, ripe core of blueberry and blackberry fruits, liquorice straps and dark chocolate that characterise the village. It holds everything securely in place with lively acidity and firm tannins of finely-structured tension. Definitive Barossa shiraz in a magnificent vintage.

read

2009 is an impressive St Henri, more a sleeper than a blockbuster, with a very long future before it. Impressively focused crunchy red berries, plums, blueberries and liquorice define a palate with an undercurrent of gentle dark chocolate. The finish rises to a black fruit and liquorice crescendo, with the savoury tannin definition that defines […]

read

With an average age between 20 and 25 years, Grandfather has evolved wonderful complexity of aromas of bitter walnuts, dried fruits, burnt toffee, Christmas cake, raisins and hints of black olives and woodspice. A luscious and complex palate captures deeply-layered complexity with a freshness and a clean finish that maintains its savoury, lively poise, thanks […]

read

In structure and refinement, 2010 is an eminently enduring and exactingly honed Yattarna at the pinnacle of the style. A whopping 96 percent Tasmanian fruit defines a breathtakingly refined structure, with high-tensile acidity that impales its core and penetrates long into the finish. There’s a wonderful interplay here between the cut of fresh lemon and […]

read

2010 is a magnificent Magill that ranks among the finest. It displays an impressively deep hue for this vineyard, a wine of voluptuous dark berry compote and delightful focus of blackberry, blueberry and liquorice fruit. It has outstanding drive and energy, with immense concentration, beautifully encased in those classic, silky yet commanding Magill tannins. It […]

read

Exemplifying the epitome of balance, intricate detail and depth of complexity, Great Grandfather is infused with reflections of rancio, fig, toffee, roast nuts, prune and plum pudding. Its sheer intensity, concentrated by a colossal 40 to 45 years of maturity, is immaculately balanced by savoury nuances of bitter almonds, providing finesse and poise to the […]

read

Tasting Chateau Latour 2000 in Bordeaux at the end of 2001 was one of the defining moments of my cabernet experience, and my first taste of 2010 Bin 169 last year brought flashbacks to that moment like no other tasting since. The colour is phenomenal, pitch black, with a vibrant purple rim. The bouquet is […]

read