89 pts - BEST BUY "A dense ruby/purple-tinged offering exhibiting attractive notes of
blackberries, damp earth, fresh mushrooms, and pepper. Ripe, heady, tasty, and supple.
Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

88 pts "Medium ruby. Tangy, peppery aromas of fresh raspberry and strawberry betray no green
or herbal notes. Sweet, supple and fresh; all black cherry, raspberry and wild strawberry liqueur on
the palate. I'd have bet money that this was grenache. Finishes long and supple, with a sappy
quality."
Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar

The color of this wine offers the first clues – deep, dazzling purple/red hues that seem to burn with intensity. It suggests there’s something substantial ahead.

This shiraz is no shrinking violet in the aroma department either – plenty of lively plum, blackberry, spice and a hint of pepper to invigorate the senses. The oak component, although playing a supporting role, contributes nuances of vanilla and clove – a very tasty backdrop indeed.

Which all leads to the palate – and this is where there’s no holding back. A bold mouthful of dark berry fruits, bittersweet chocolate and spicy mint. In typical Clare fashion there’s a solid, ripe core of fruit encased in fine tannins and crisp, natural acidity. Nothing blown out or over the top – well structured, able to be cellared for five years and drinking fabulously right now!

This wine has been crafted with over 50 years of winemaking experience – the two Mak winemakers are two of Australia's finest with countless awards behind them – red winemaker Kym Tolley, whose own Penley Estate wines are among Australia's leading Cabernets and white winemaker Neville Falkenberg who developed the famed Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay.

This is a wine that can be enjoyed with a quiet meal at home, or star at a dinner party with friends.