84 points
Barossa Valley, South Australia. 14.5%
I like the aromas which to me are a touch like a Spanish wine. Like the 2004 it is remarkably approachable for such a young wine. But this vintage it is so sweet, cloyingly so.
1994 – 85 points
1998 – 89 points
Clare Valley, South Australia. 13.5%
Both wines are true to the Wendouree style, not fat, sweet nor alcoholic yet very much dense, non irrigated, warm climate Australian reds. Both show a degree of noticable added acidity. But the 1994 was fairly tired. In contrast the 1998 still has marzipan aromas of new oak as if it were only a few years old. It will be interesting to watch the 1998 age, and to try another bottle of the 1994, I hope it was simply a disappointing bottle.
89 points
Paarl, South Africa. 14.5%
I’ve had some disappointing Fairview shiraz in the past, but this is quite fine. It holds its alcohol well and is very drinkable with food. It’s not sweet and forward, nor harsh with added acid. At 7 years of age it has integrated well.
87+ points
Coonawarra and Barossa Valley, South Australia. 13.5%
This is a rather odd wine. It’s opulent, with very sweet French oak. The blend shows – rich chocolate Barossa fruit and then Coonawarra (powerful and exotic). The back label suggests that the Coonawarra portion adds austerity, it certainly doesn’t.
Considerable concentration, its development has been slow (I suspect a good cool cellar played a part), it’s still youthful for its 13 years of age.
I’m quite intrigued by this wine even if it isn’t my sort of claret. I’d like to try it again, perhaps after a few more years.
89 points
Pauillac, Bordeaux, France. 13%
Young claret from the hottest vintage on record. As expected it is a dark full bodied wine, but dry. The oak is prominent on the nose, plenty of esthers (to the harsh chemical extreme, ie astringent – but this mellows when the wine has had some air). It’s a bold young wine but drinkable because of the soft tannins and moderate acidity. The 2003 is approachable in spite of its weight.
This would be hard to pick as a Pauillac, the vintage character overwhelms the regional. I find it hard to predict how long this will age, or even an ideal time to drink it (perhaps in 3-4 years when the oak will be more integrated).
90 points
Barossa Valley, South Australia. 14%
This reminds me of 2003 Bordeaux, not that this shiraz is anything like claret, partly it’s just the French oak, but mainly it is the vintage character. It has the aromas and taste of a super hot vintage. Ripe, but not in a sweet or alcoholic sense, ripe/toasted/dried characters. With 2003 surrounded by the excellent, in South Australia, 2002 and 2004 vintages there really isn’t any reason to buy 2003.
That said, Winter Creek again produce an interesting and fine wine. One of the best new brands from Barossa.
PS See earlier review
86 points
Clevedon, Auckland, New Zealand. 15.5%
Kiwi reds are following the current, awful, fashion of high alcohol but 15.5% ! The reason here is that this is an Amarone style, from a Italian oriented winery. So the alcohol is entirely appropriate. This bottle was bought from Ultimo wine store in Sydney, who are the importers. They were selling off cheap all of the Vin Alto range. This is their super premium, so it was still expensive though apparently half price.
It’s a big soft spicy red, with considerable development. The colour is red-brown, far more advanced than I’d expect a 1998. In spite of the oxidation it’s an enjoyable wine, but without the depth and concentration of a true Amarone. Drink now, if not earlier.
87 points
Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia. 13%
Rather classic Hnter shiraz with complexity, moderate alcohol, nice savoury tones. I’d have given it higher points but it fades too much with food, needing a bit more concentration. Drink now and over the next few years.
88 points
Napa Valley, California, USA. 13.5%
One of the more fragrant interesting cabernets I’ve had from Cali in recent times. medium to full weight and concentration, a touch of sweetish oak, but only a touch. Not top class fine wine, but sensible wine making not extracting more out of the grapes that they should provide. Good value, and some class. Recommended.
Dare I say it “fairly honest wine in a sea of Parker wannabes”.
Wine Reviews & Comments 