Bob McDonald

9.6

From the Yarra Valley a Bordeaux blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec and 3% Petit Verdot. 20 months in new French oak. Mid Ruby to garnet in colour. Classic aromas of cedar and cigar box with fading Cassis. A medium bodied palate with those smooth ultra silky flowing tannins. This is drinking well at 20 years of age. My last bottle. This producer has probably flown under the radar for many North American wine lovers as Robert Parker was never a fan with some of his Tasting Notes being quite hostile. The Middletons probably stopped exporting to the USA after that as they had no trouble selling their production locally and in the UK. The just released 2023 vintage was honoured with Australian Wine of the Year by The Australian newspaper and given 99 points by Wine editor Nick Ryan. Quintet is always one of Australia’s best Cabernet blends. — 3 days ago

Daniel Bloom

9.2

Only 500 of these babies! N:Sea salt, lanolin, brown sugar, brine.
P: Soft, broad and lively,some lemon, sea brine echoes again.
Thanks Nick. — 5 years ago

Laddie DeRocco

9.0

Great with chocolate or steak. Definitely worth buying again. Got it at olive grove. — 5 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

See 3 previous notes for the 2008 vintage (and one for the 2009). This was my final 2008 sadly. Without mincing words, this is one of my favourite Australian reds, and has been for a long time. Trademark white pepper, spice and liquorice. The plums and blackberry of its youth are now more savoury in style. Just a stunning wine which could compete with any top grade Cote Rotie. Unfortunately the price now reflects the high quality. In the Good Wine Guide of 2011 this was voted Best Shiraz and Wine of the Year. Nick Stock - 98 points. — 6 months ago

Ron R

9.4

The label was soiled when I received the order. I was immediately concerned regarding the contents. Happily, the wine was in pristine nick. Forest floor and cinnamon nose transitioned to the signature gnarly, textured dark fruit, smoke, and spice box presentation. I’m going to hold some of these Astons and see what happens. Intro’d to this by @Bill Bender, this has become my fave Cali pinot. Every vintage comes correct. — 4 years ago

with Anne-marie

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Words “Anam Cara” are Celtic for “friend of my soul.” Nick and Sheila have made wines since planting grapes in 2001. Pale lemon with aromatic aromas of ripe tropical, stone & citrus fruits. On the palate tart apple and melon flavors, with a crisp citrus tang. Medium+ finish, vivid acidity with rich ending. Drinking well now. Nice value. — 5 years ago

Desiree

9.1

Nick and Tonya — 3 years ago

Elizabeth S.

9.8

Very opaque and dark. Feels like a good blend of deep and complex but not overly tanniny — 4 years ago

Michael Chelus

9.1

Cherry, raspberry preserves, blackberry, currant, vanilla, dark chocolate and oak. Full-bodied and moderate tannins. — 5 years ago

Ruby Gawlik

10

Love . Had with Nick & Jess — 5 years ago