Jan A

9.5

My first Standish from the cellar. After raving reviews from amongst others the WA, bought some at relative low prices (v.s. the 96+ish ratings across their range).

This is young but full of potential. I'd give these 10 years of cellar time based on this bottle, but you can definitely drink this now. It is modernly made with ripe and rounded tannins. It has a very compact core that reminds me of how SQN wines are made, but then with the Australian flavor profile. It is almost too seamless / polished, so that it is coming across as flat on first sight. Nothing sticks out. But with air more and more layers come to play. It just needs more time.

95+ for now with 98ish potential in a few years.

The 2022's just came out with 98-100 scores. I guess it is time to stock these up before prices begin to soar.

— 5 days ago

Kelley Raymond

8.9

Still good, but a bit lighter in color, tannin, and finish than others. Not too sweet, and a bit dry — 5 months ago

West G. Phifer

9.0

Two words come to mind when tasting this standout of a bottle: “apricots” and “finish.” Tasting notes may be subjective, to say the least, but this deep red beauty brings to mind the brighter stonefuits like apricots and nectarines. Don’t let the full body and enticing nose fool you, this wine has a bit of punchiness to it, and trust me you’re gonna love it. The longer finish you’ll find with Freakshow is exactly as desired, this wine gently sticks square on the top of the tongue. To whom would I recommend Freakshow’s Cabernet of damn near any vintage? Well, frankly, everyone. But if you’re looking to impress that date and the only thing you know about their wine preference is simply the word “red,” then do both of you a favor and grab this bottle. — 2 years ago

Hans Fountain

9.5

Sexual intercourse on a winter night in an old cozy shack. — a month ago

Andrew Kinney

9.2

Aged well! — 3 months ago

carl thornblade

9.0

A little green in flavor (as in unripe), too acidic, but had some elements of tropical fruit, just not full and ripe. Has potential but not the best. — 6 months ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.1

Let this breathe for a bit, so it loses the baby fat and shows it’s true shine.
Pure essence of black sweet cherries, a whiff of roses, with some black pepper and a dark rocky, mineral undertone. So fresh & enticing. There’s even a hint of burnt orange peel. Airy, spacious, fresh!
On the palate this shows bright cherry acidity, with a hint of blueberry, the rocky minerality underlining it all. Nice tannic frame - light yet with crunch. The alc (14%) sticks a bit out towards the finish but aber all this is a really lovely Barbera, esp. slightly chilled!
Just let it breath as upon opening it’s a quite different (and less interesting) wine. — 3 years ago

Ron R

9.3

Really enjoyed this. Much more in the white burg style. Steely, piercing and focused. I’d love to take another look at these 5 years from now. I bet this will continue to improve. — 2 months ago

with Anne-marie

Scott E. Becker

9.2

[Tasted on October 5, 2024 at Home with Matt and Wendy, and again on November 27, 2024 at Home with Kat]

Ripe cherry and red plum fruit, with floral notes and spice. — 5 months ago

Adam Gäfvert

9.0

Quite earthy of this stage. Charcuteries, ripe raspberries, liquorice, wet rocks. Lacks a bit of youthful energy. — 6 months ago