Bob McDonald

9.1

See previous note in June 2023 where I questioned the ripeness of the fruit. This has the trademark spice and pepper. Very little fruit, more savoury characters. From one of Australia’s leading cool climate wineries. As Jancis said, “a real sense of place “ - in this case the Macedon Ranges just north of Tullamarine Airport. Very different to SA Shiraz. Just medium bodied - a leathery note with balanced tannins. As in previous note a touch of astringency at the finish. — 16 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.3

Dark dark Ruby - call it black. From the ripe 2010 vintage. Black fruits, mulberry, anise, herbs - very full bodied, very Barossa and very Penfolds. At least 10 to 15 years in front of it. As HH said undoubtedly a warm climate style, and it’s so true. On the palate ripe plum, blackberry and liquorice. Oak not as prominent as in previous tastings. Next one in mid 2025. — 6 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Spicy and peppery on the nose with a hint of apricot from the Viognier whose influence has diminished over the years. Red cherry and pepper on the palate. Generally regarded as one of the finest Shiraz blends in Australia. Cool climate - Intensity without weight. I love this style and this 2004 was a treat for the senses. Soft resolved fine savoury tannins. Sadly my last 2004 in 750ml although I did find a magnum after making this note. — 2 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Poured into a decanter about an hour prior to service; enjoyed over period that lasted a few hours. The 2008 pours a deep ruby color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with mostly fresh, tart, vibrant red fruits: red brambles, red currants and tart cherries with some pyrazines, tobacco, some cool herbs, dry earth and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and bordering high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+ and the body is perceptibly leaner than both the 1988 and the 2018. That being said, I love its transparency because it is clearly telling part of the story of the vintage. The frost was merciless in Dry Creek in the spring of 2008. So far, the evolution seems slow to me. Drink now with a decant but considering the structure, this has a long life ahead. If I had another bottle, I would open my next after 2028. — 3 days ago

Peter James

9.0

Happy 70th Dad! 🎂 — 7 months ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.2

The famed #lopezdeheredia - Their 2008 release year matched the year we got married so we ordered this at a nice restaurant on our 13th anniversary. I asked the sommelier to cool it in an ice bucket a bit and so it took some time to open up in the glass. One of the best old school #rioja - subtle dark fruit, forest floor and distinct mushroom and truffle aromas on the nose. The biggest surprise for me on the palate was the incredible freshness and bracing acidity. Forest floor, leather and dark fruit as the backup chorus. This is still such a young wine. Delicious and versatile pairing wine - worked so well with a brined chicken breast with a puff pastry side stuffed with morel mushroom and lobster. — 3 years ago

Jack Petras

8.9

Had this 2011 a few weeks ago with Beef Daube next to a very aged Mouton. Plummy smooth but not too impressive. Forgot I had a little left in the bottle in a cool corner of kitchen and had it 10 days later and it was more enchanting, somehow fresher more berry fruit with a gorgeous hint of leather in background. — 2 months ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Pretty deep ruby , quite narrow still ruby /garnet rim . Quite masculine , slightly high toned , grafite , cassis nose , blackberry, tobacco . Cool blackcurrant , mineral , quite strict acidity and gritty tannins. Good length , quite foursquare , grafite finish . From now , though will improve over the next 5-10 and hold possibly a further 5-10 — 5 months ago

Jake

9.5

Fruity and floral on the nose, peach pie, marmalade, apricot on the palate with a grippy finish. An interesting German Pinot Noir. Very cool. — 9 months ago

with Brooke

Johnno Harris

9.6

This is such a good LL release. Cool climate Shiraz / Syrah at its very best. So good. — 3 years ago