Vivid ruby. Alluringly perfumed nose combines blackberry, cherry-cola, violet, anise and a pungent mineral note. Sweet and lively in the mouth, offering juicy red and dark berry flavors underscored by intense minerality. The sweet, floral-accented finish features a strong mineral quality and fine-grained tannins and clings with impressive tenacity.
94 points, Josh Raynolds (November 2011)
Deepish red/purple colour. Bright, intense and opulent to sniff, with fresh cherry plum fruit, superripe and rich smelling, with a lot of interest, but fruit comes first. Palate is full-bodied, sumptuous and ample, again very soft and smooth with slinky, powdery tannins and some alcohol heat which lingers. Big, generous wine, in balance though, although some may find the alcohol challenging. The oak is also fairly assertive. Hints of tar and coffee, multi-faceted and full of interest.
93 points, Huon Hooke (June 2012)