Jon Ebsworth

8.9

Interesting cool climate cab led Aussie Bordeaux…think I left it too late to drink it, best at 5-7 years given freshness in winemaking style? — a month ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2018 “La Bruma” pours a deep ruby/purple color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart black and blue fruits: black brambles, blueberries, figs, black pepper, lavender, some Kalamata olive, cured meat, dried green herbs, ferrous minerals and gentle warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Unmistakably cool climate Syrah made in a style I love. Drink now through 2038. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Another great value red from Coonawarra - this from Bowen Estate. I paid $27.50 at the cellar door in 2021. Their excellent Cabernet Sauvignon was the same price. In earlier days this Cuvée showed cooler climate characteristics of white pepper - not evident in this bottle. This shows more spice, red berries and black olives. Just a medium weight palate and obviously great QPR. Interestingly in the early days of Coonawarra, Shiraz was more planted than Cabernet Sauvignon - it’s the reverse these days. I had another bottle 23 weeks later on 6th May 2025 with consistent notes. An excellent wine for $75 but at $27.50 simply outstanding. Should be a regular purchase. The Cabernet Sauvignon at the same price is just as good. — a year ago

Doug Powers

9.2

Dark purple color, blue and black fruit aromas and flavors, still quite youthful, needs further cellaring, long finish, very good cool climate Aussie Shiraz!! — a month ago

with Jim

Horacio Laredo

9.0

Great wine with smooth earthy flavors and notes and with balanced palate. — 9 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous note from January 2023. Pepper Liquorice and Raspberry. Savoury and full bodied on the palate. Such density despite the drinking window describing this as “Old”. 2011 to 2028. I see this as having many years to go. Riper having blackberry and not as much pepper as you would expect because of this warmer vintage. The vineyards were originally planted in 1964, establishing this as one of Australia’s leaders in cool climate Shiraz. It has always been one of my favourite Australian Reds. Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year for 2011 as voted by the Good Wine Guide. 98 points from Nick Stock. — 2 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Deep crimson in colour. Notes of blackberry and other black fruits, quite bold for a Coonawarra (cool climate) Shiraz. In this warmer year of 2008 in South Australia this wine tastes more like a Barossa or McLaren Vale Shiraz than a Coonawarra Shiraz. Dry herbal notes and verging on full bodied. Being a Penfolds Bin No. red it will easily pass 20 years in the cellar. Hasn’t got the usual spice and pepper of a Bin 128 in this warmer year. — 3 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

This is a riper style than is normal for Craiglee which is usually quite cold climate peppery. This is full bodied showing blackberry, spice, liquorice and some black pepper. Always a reliable top quality Shiraz. The vineyard is just to the north of Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport in cool climate Macedon. Could see out the 2020s in the Cellar. — 7 months ago

Robert S.

9.0

Cool climate grapes, fresh fruit, and crisp. Loved it. — 3 years 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. — 4 years ago