Yalumba The Signature cabernet shiraz 1996

87 points

Barossa Valley, South Australia. 14%

Not as exciting as the 2006 by a long shot. Warm bordering on over-ripe fruit balanced by hefty added acid.

Sandalford estate reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

88 points

Margaret River, Western Australia. 14.5%

This is a very good wine but I’m marking it down a few points because it’s just a bit to showy. The oak is obtrusive, dry and a bit raspy. And the alcohol is too high. I know it is young but I have major doubts that this will properly knit together, at least into something fine.

So breathe the wine now and enjoy it young as a showy wine. Nice flavours even if it lacks mid palate density.

Shaw + Smith Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir 2012

87+ points

Adelaide Hills, South Australia. 12.5%

Light colour. Pleasantly savoury. I’m at a loss to know where this wine might go, I’m not used to drinking such young reds.

I suspect it’s not for very long aging.

Chateau Poujeaux 1996

90 points

Moulis, Bordeaux. 12.5%

A good bottle. Not the most profound Bordeaux but this bottle has aged character with some freshness, even a hint of new oak lurking far in the background. Savoury, food friendly though not particularly concentrated.

Tyrrells Vat 9 Shiraz 1999

91 points

Hunter Valley. 12.8%

Gorgeous complex aromas of leather and tiny trace of brett.

Savoury sweet med bodied palate. Soft tannin. Surprisingly spritzig which requires shaking off.