Ripe and broad, with a big jolt of raspberry, plum and creamy spice flavors along with some floral nuances that are not unwelcome. There's a sense of crispness that tends to balance the size and brawniness of the wine, and this finishes with some finesse.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 5,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.??–HS??Region: Australia / Clare Valley Select to Add

Some reviewers thought this wine’s medium-full mouthfeel “tangy;” others called it “brisk acidity.” In any case, the wine’s aromas and flavors are dark, dark, dark: Look forward to leather, earth and an almost matchstick note on the nose, and black fruit, bitter chocolate and “old baseball glove” in the mouth. Finishes with tobacco, leather and juicy berry fruit.——W.E.(11/1/2001)—— 88