Bob McDonald

9.0

See previous notes for the 2006 Stonewell. Supple and smooth showing masses of plum and blackberry from old vine Barossa Shiraz. Aniseed/liquorice notes. A certain astringency to finish off. A good but not great Stonewell. I could have left drinking this until its 20th year next year but I don’t think it would be any different. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A special project wine for the US and China marketplace. This is a 100% Shiraz with a medium-bodied style, ripe and very generous with plenty full flavors of mulberry, ripe blackberry, mocha and hints of blackforrest chocolate cake. It has a noticeable freshness on the palate which and a smooth cocoa powder finish, quite appealing to those who are looking for ready to go Shiraz from Australia. — 2 months ago

Shay A

9.4

Since I sadly can’t buy a bunch of TAllemand Chaillot (or even more unfortunately, Reynard), this producer’s expression is one I’ve been waiting to try. Only recently found out he is Noël Verset’s nephew (which certainly helped in getting those old vines from Chaillot!)

Double decanted for an hour before consuming the first half from the bottle the following few hours. Gorgeous translucent red-purple in the glass. Aromatics are bright and expressive…potpurri, black pepper, dark berry fruits, and whole cluster/stems. The palate is crunchy and energetic with peppered blackberries, herbaceous whole-cluster spice, and savory minerals. Lingering finish with big grip. It presents as a “big” cool climate Syrah (if that makes sense), not a burly rustic Cornas. Absolutely delicious.

Second half was consumed the following day and the finish was a bit more finesse driven with all the flavors in balance. Drink now with a couple hours of air or hold a few more years. Now to try the Sans Soufre… — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Blend of Grenache (65%), Shiraz (20%) and Mataro (15%). Bright garnet color with a ruby core. Aromas of red berries, dried violets, dried earth and cedar. Complex flavors of dried cherries and raspberries, red currants, black tea, Asian spices, black olives and tobacco. Long lasting savory and tangy finish. Silky texture, well balanced acidity and nicely integrated soft tannins. — a month ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.3

Everything about this wine is DARK. Deep ruby/purple color bordering on black. Aromas of black and blue fruit, Asian spices and coffee. Flavors of cooked black berry/plum/currant fruit, bakers chocolate, tar and espresso. Hint of black pepper on the long, lingering and silky finish. Extremely concentrated with lively acidity. Tannins are firm but in harmony. This is a wine you quickly take notice of. Probably at (or just past) its peak. Thanks for the wonderful gift, Petey P! — 2 months ago

Ash Anderson

8.9

So jammy on the nose, fruit bomb for sure. Blueberry, boysenberry, and blackberry bramble. Notes of charred wood and meat. A hint of eucalyptus. Nice spice. Medium acid, high alcohol and medium plus tannin. I think it would do well with a few years and a nice barbecued hunk of meat. — 6 months ago

Ron R

9.4

Whoa, what a sublime presentation. Nose displays tobacco leaves, ripe cherries and a dusting of cedar.
Palate is regal - the definition of smooth. Raspberries everywhere. Immature tannins suggest that this should be left for a while. Nice weight and texture leads into a smooth maple syrup finish. Spice box also coming thru after exposure to air. Thank you, Rick.
Mens club, Pittsburgh. — a month ago

with Andrew and Rick

Adam Gäfvert

9.8

Fantastic cult wine that I’ve had the pleasure of trying a couple of times now. Lives up to the hype. Amazing in all aspects. Big but super pretty and just keeps rewarding you with greatness every time you return to you glass. — 2 months ago

Irina Georgieva

9.6

Amazing wine, good balance, great taste. — 3 months ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.1

Dark ruby color with purple highlights. Aromas of blackberry, tar, forest floor and black licorice. Flavors of dark plum, blackberry, dark chocolate, baking spices and black cherry. Long velvety finish, balanced acidity and smooth tannins. Fruit forward and bombastic, but also nicely textured and somewhat savory. Excellent value. — 6 months ago