Australia wines in the Flickinger Fine Wines inventory http://www.flickingerwines.com/wineregions/australian.asp WA 96 (8/2003): The debut release from proprietor Carl Lindner, this 2001 is produced from 150-year old Shiraz vines, and aged in 100% new American oak. This sensational effort boasts a saturated inky/purple color in addition to aromas of roasted scorched earth intermingled with blackberry liqueur, new saddle leather, and spice box. Dense, full-bodied, thick, and viscous, this incredible old vine Shiraz should drink well young, yet last for two decades.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BarossaOldVineWineCompany.aspWS 94 (6/2000): A towering Barossa Shiraz. Distinctively spicy, brimming with prune, pepper and leather aromas and flavors on a rich, supple frame. Resonates beautifully on the finish, and will only deepen with additional cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BarossaValleyEstate.aspWS 94 (6/2000): A towering Barossa Shiraz. Distinctively spicy, brimming with prune, pepper and leather aromas and flavors on a rich, supple frame. Resonates beautifully on the finish, and will only deepen with additional cellaring. Drink now through 2012. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BarossaValleyEstate.aspWS 95 (11/2001): Ripe, plush and generous with its gorgeous blueberry, raspberry and plum fruit, shaded with meat and black truffle notes that weave through the long, cushiony finish. Has plenty of power and elegance. Drink now through 2012. 2,500 cases made. IWC 92 (8/2002): Deep, dark red. Heady, primary aromas of ripe blackcurrant, raspberry, red cherry and dark plum handsomely matched by assertive smoky chocolate, ground coffee and vanillin oak aromas. Very floral and spicy, stacked with cloves and nutmeg. Plump but elegant and harmonious palate, with a sumptuous, creamy, velvet-smooth and unashamedly oaky palate bursting with cherry/berry flavors and interwoven with fine tannins. Lively and not at all cooked; carries its 14.5% alcohol with ease.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BarossaValleyEstate.aspWS 94 (9/2003): Big, ripe and powerful, but ultimately seductive, offering velvety texture and rich plum, cherry, pepper and sweet leather flavors that echo beautifully as the finish sails on and on. Drink now through 2015. 200 cases imported. WA 92 (8/2003): The 2000 Shiraz The Armagh, produced from a 34-year old vineyard, is one of the vintage’s better efforts. Offering notes of melted chocolate, licorice, blackberries, and black currants, it is full-bodied and ripe, with low acidity as well as tremendous opulence, palate presence, and purity. Consume it over the next 10-12 years.IWC 87 (8/2003): Full, deep red. Meaty, spicy nose of cassis, blueberry, ripe plum, licorice, treacle and licorice, with some tar, chocolate and mocha from the oak. Already developing some earthy, leathery complexity on the palate; sumptuous and forward, with flavors of plum, prune, currant and menthol. Perhaps a little overcooked, and lacking a real core of fruit, but the winemakers have clearly done an excellent job with the rather stressed fruit available to them.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/JimBarry.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BartonVale.aspWA 94 (10/2007): Russell Bourne is owner/winemaker of Battely, located in Beechworth, a 4 hour drive north of Melbourne. His winemaking role-model is the northern Rhone Valley, hence the use of Syrah rather than Shiraz.WS 92 (10/2009): Rich, round and deftly balanced for a big red, this is distinctive for its black olive, black pepper and dark berry flavors, lingering against a light grip of tannins and hinting at dried tomato as the finish rolls on. Best from 2011 through 2016. 200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Battely.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RolfBinder.aspIWC 90 (8/2010): Light yellow. Ripe melon and white peach aromas are enlivened by notes of talc and dried lemon peel. Rich and fleshy but surprisingly lively, offering broad melon and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of bitter peach skin. This open-knit, seamless wine is drinking very well right now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Bindi.aspIWC 90 (8/2010): Light yellow. Ripe melon and white peach aromas are enlivened by notes of talc and dried lemon peel. Rich and fleshy but surprisingly lively, offering broad melon and orchard fruit flavors and a late note of bitter peach skin. This open-knit, seamless wine is drinking very well right now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Bindi.aspWS 91 (12/2004): Ripe, round and a bit raw, distinctive for the gamy edge to the licorice, black cherry and earthy black pepper flavors. Has real intensity and depth, yet manages to finish with elegance. Needs time to bring it all together. Best from 2007 through 2015. 50 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DeBortoli.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GrantBurge.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GrantBurge.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BurgeFamily.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BurgeFamily.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BurgeFamily.aspWA 93 (8/2003): The 2001 Grenache/Shiraz/Mourvedre Olive Hill (31%, 41% and 28% respectively) is aged completely in French oak, of which about 30% is new. A super effort, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color as well as a fragrant bouquet of cigar box intermixed with blackberries, currants, spice, pepper, and a touch of vanilla. Well-delineated and pure, with a sweet, expansive mid-palate, and a long, concentrated, full-bodied finish, it will last for a decade or more.IWC 90 (8/2003): Full, dark red-ruby. Intense, perfumed, floral aromas of slightly jammy dark fruits and bubblegum. Smooth and fleshy, with meaty yet vibrant flavors of small dark fruits. Spicy and elegant, bound by fine-grained, tight-knit tannins and finishing earthy and savory.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BurgeFamily.aspWS 92 (9/1997): Rich and spicy, it's a tower of nut, coffee and black cherry flavors that keep building upon one another, finishing explosively with more cherry, caramel and coffee notes on the long finish. 300 cases imported.WA 90 (6/2010): The NV Rosewood Vineyards Muscat appears only slightly less complex than the Muscadelle. Possessing a very pale brown color with a glint of gold, this wine is quite grapey on the nose with notes of brandied sultanas and spice cake. In the mouth it’s very sweet and rich with relatively medium-high acid to balance. The finish is very long with flavors of spicy grape syrup. As with the Muscadelle, this is also an amazing value.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChambersRosewoodVineyards.aspWS 92 (9/1997): Rich and spicy, it's a tower of nut, coffee and black cherry flavors that keep building upon one another, finishing explosively with more cherry, caramel and coffee notes on the long finish. 300 cases imported.WA 90 (6/2010): The NV Rosewood Vineyards Muscat appears only slightly less complex than the Muscadelle. Possessing a very pale brown color with a glint of gold, this wine is quite grapey on the nose with notes of brandied sultanas and spice cake. In the mouth it’s very sweet and rich with relatively medium-high acid to balance. The finish is very long with flavors of spicy grape syrup. As with the Muscadelle, this is also an amazing value.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChambersRosewoodVineyards.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Cimicky.aspWA 90 (4/1997): Based on the strength of his 1994s, proprietor Roman Bratasiuk was named one of my "Wine Producers of the Year" in issue #108. His skill in turning old head-pruned vines into majestic wines of extraordinary richness and purity has been confirmed with the release of the 1995s. These wines are massive and rich as well as extraordinarily well-balanced and pure. I have never tasted an Australian Merlot that was more concentrated than Penfold's Grange, a Shiraz-based wine. The gratifying, opaque purple-colored 1994 Merlot boasts a huge, smoky, black-cherry-scented nose, succulent, chewy flavors, massive body, and a juicy, nicely-layered, long finish. It is all silk and fruit, but with more alcohol and intensity than one might expect. Drink it over the next decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 92 (2/2002): Clarendon Hills' red wines are about as decadent and rich as red wine can get. The husky, dense ruby/purple-colored 1996 Shiraz reveals a knock-out nose of pepper, raspberry liqueur, blackberries, and spice. The wine possesses terrific fruit, full body, an unctuous texture, and a whoppingly long finish that lasts for over 30 seconds. Although soft and approachable, it will keep for a decade or more. This is one of my favorite Australian wineries and readers who have followed my reviews know of my enthusiasm for recent vintages of the Old Vine Grenache, Astralis, and Merlot. I have not reviewed any Clarendon Hills Chardonnays because I am not fond of oxidized, earthy Chardonnays.IWC 91+ (8/1998): Bright ruby-red. Reticent but pure aromas of blackberry, pepper, orange peel and woodsmoke. Big, sweet and lush; concentrated, crunchy dark berry flavor gives an impression of strong extract. Finishes ripe and impressive, with a note of pepper and substantial tongue-coating tannins. Should age well.WS 87 (8/1998): Dense and chewy. A solid mouthful of berry flavor with tough, chewy tannins earmarking it for the cellar. Give it time to see what how the anise note on the finish develops. Best from 2001 through 2003. 600 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 97 (6/2009): The blockbuster 1996 Astralis Syrah is the most Hermitage-like. Its dark plum/purple color is followed by a big, sweet kiss of roasted meats, creme de cassis, blackberries, pepper, and forest floor. Dense with superb purity, full-bodied power, and beautiful balance, it is the only Astralis we tasted that exhibited a strong tertiary/secondary aromatic development. WS 96 (12/2008): Supple, silky and round, with some transparency to the dark plum, blackberry and exotic spice flavors, lingering gently on the long, expressive finish. Tannins are present, but nicely integrated, and the finish keeps welling up without bubbling over. Syrah.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 450 cases made. IWC 95 (8/1998): Saturated, opaque ruby. Perfumed, multidimensional aromas of blackberry, cassis, woodsmoke, game and oak spice. Amazingly thick and sweet in the mouth, but ripe acidity and deep spiciness gives clarity to the flavors. A real powerhouse, with fruit of steel. Finishes with huge, tongue-coating tannins, very complex berry, meat and oak flavors, and great length. Superb wine, a bit more forward than the '95 but likely to be long-lived.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 97 (6/2009): The blockbuster 1996 Astralis Syrah is the most Hermitage-like. Its dark plum/purple color is followed by a big, sweet kiss of roasted meats, creme de cassis, blackberries, pepper, and forest floor. Dense with superb purity, full-bodied power, and beautiful balance, it is the only Astralis we tasted that exhibited a strong tertiary/secondary aromatic development. WS 96 (12/2008): Supple, silky and round, with some transparency to the dark plum, blackberry and exotic spice flavors, lingering gently on the long, expressive finish. Tannins are present, but nicely integrated, and the finish keeps welling up without bubbling over. Syrah.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 450 cases made. IWC 95 (8/1998): Saturated, opaque ruby. Perfumed, multidimensional aromas of blackberry, cassis, woodsmoke, game and oak spice. Amazingly thick and sweet in the mouth, but ripe acidity and deep spiciness gives clarity to the flavors. A real powerhouse, with fruit of steel. Finishes with huge, tongue-coating tannins, very complex berry, meat and oak flavors, and great length. Superb wine, a bit more forward than the '95 but likely to be long-lived.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 97 (6/2009): The blockbuster 1996 Astralis Syrah is the most Hermitage-like. Its dark plum/purple color is followed by a big, sweet kiss of roasted meats, creme de cassis, blackberries, pepper, and forest floor. Dense with superb purity, full-bodied power, and beautiful balance, it is the only Astralis we tasted that exhibited a strong tertiary/secondary aromatic development. WS 96 (12/2008): Supple, silky and round, with some transparency to the dark plum, blackberry and exotic spice flavors, lingering gently on the long, expressive finish. Tannins are present, but nicely integrated, and the finish keeps welling up without bubbling over. Syrah.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 450 cases made. IWC 95 (8/1998): Saturated, opaque ruby. Perfumed, multidimensional aromas of blackberry, cassis, woodsmoke, game and oak spice. Amazingly thick and sweet in the mouth, but ripe acidity and deep spiciness gives clarity to the flavors. A real powerhouse, with fruit of steel. Finishes with huge, tongue-coating tannins, very complex berry, meat and oak flavors, and great length. Superb wine, a bit more forward than the '95 but likely to be long-lived.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspIWC 94+ (8/1999): Full ruby. Superripe aromas of roasted plum, saddle leather, smoked meat, mint and oak spice. Huge, thick and sweet; extraordinarily ripe but supported by firm, ripe acids. Really suffuses the palate with sweet fruit. Explosive aftertaste features roasted berry, leather and woodsmoke notes and uncanny sweetness. Showing extremely well today but built to age.WA 93 (6/2009): The 1997 Astralis Syrah is the most elegant of this quartet. It reveals a similar meaty, bacon fat, blackberry, and black currant-scented nose with hints of earth and pepper in the background. Not as dense as either the 1996 or 1998, it is a more feminine, stylish effort offering a rich, layered texture as well as sweet tannins. It is 1-3 years away from full maturity, and probably will not last as long as the more blockbuster-styled efforts of 1996 and 1998.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 98 (2/2002): Just beginning to emerge from a relatively dormant state, this prodigious wine was showing the best it has yet performed., suggesting again that Clarendon Hills wines behave more like European wines in terms of needing time in the bottle. The saturated blue/purple color offers up notes of ripe black fruits intermixed with graphite, vanilla, mineral, and spice. Extremely thick, with a viscous texture, good underlying tannin and acidity, and fabulous length (nearly 50 seconds), this is certainly a prodigious effort that is now living up to the fame and extraordinary quality of this vintage. Nevertheless, I thought the wine needed about five years of cellaring two years ago, but now I tend to think it needs at least another 5-7 years of cellaring before it will begin to become an adolescent. It is a majestic, multi-dimensional, individualistic wine that certainly is world-class and undoubtedly profound. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.IWC 95 (7/2000): Bright dark ruby. Very fresh but brooding aromas of crystallized black raspberry, violet, dark chocolate, mocha and game. Rather closed and unforthcoming on the palate, but the wine's great depth of flavor and precision are already apparent. A step up from the last two wines in sheer intensity. Finishes with great sweetness of fruit, superb grip, and noble tannins that coat the teeth. This will be lush with five or six years of bottle age.WS 93 (6/2000): Deep, dark and dense, a powerfully concentrated mouthful of cherry, blackberry, plum and exotic spice flavors that linger on the beautifully crafted finish. Stylish and graceful, it also has power. Best from 2003 through 2013. 480 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 98 (2/2002): Just beginning to emerge from a relatively dormant state, this prodigious wine was showing the best it has yet performed., suggesting again that Clarendon Hills wines behave more like European wines in terms of needing time in the bottle. The saturated blue/purple color offers up notes of ripe black fruits intermixed with graphite, vanilla, mineral, and spice. Extremely thick, with a viscous texture, good underlying tannin and acidity, and fabulous length (nearly 50 seconds), this is certainly a prodigious effort that is now living up to the fame and extraordinary quality of this vintage. Nevertheless, I thought the wine needed about five years of cellaring two years ago, but now I tend to think it needs at least another 5-7 years of cellaring before it will begin to become an adolescent. It is a majestic, multi-dimensional, individualistic wine that certainly is world-class and undoubtedly profound. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2030.IWC 95 (7/2000): Bright dark ruby. Very fresh but brooding aromas of crystallized black raspberry, violet, dark chocolate, mocha and game. Rather closed and unforthcoming on the palate, but the wine's great depth of flavor and precision are already apparent. A step up from the last two wines in sheer intensity. Finishes with great sweetness of fruit, superb grip, and noble tannins that coat the teeth. This will be lush with five or six years of bottle age.WS 93 (6/2000): Deep, dark and dense, a powerfully concentrated mouthful of cherry, blackberry, plum and exotic spice flavors that linger on the beautifully crafted finish. Stylish and graceful, it also has power. Best from 2003 through 2013. 480 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWS 95 (6/2001): Amazingly rich and seductive, a towering wine with layers and layers of rich blackberry, plum, cherry and sweet spice flavors that cascade across a dense structure, polished to a fare-thee-well so the flavors ring, unopposed by tannins; the tannins are present, but totally submerged in the flavors. The kind of wine you want to roll around in. Best from 2004 through 2012. 550 cases made.WA 92 (2/2002): Showing better than when I tasted it for the Wine Advocate, the wine seems to open a bit, but is still backward. A saturated purple color offers up concentrated blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and barbecue spice. The wine is large-scaled, very intense, with a multi-dimensional, layered personality. This wine should be at its best in about 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWS 95 (6/2001): Amazingly rich and seductive, a towering wine with layers and layers of rich blackberry, plum, cherry and sweet spice flavors that cascade across a dense structure, polished to a fare-thee-well so the flavors ring, unopposed by tannins; the tannins are present, but totally submerged in the flavors. The kind of wine you want to roll around in. Best from 2004 through 2012. 550 cases made.WA 92 (2/2002): Showing better than when I tasted it for the Wine Advocate, the wine seems to open a bit, but is still backward. A saturated purple color offers up concentrated blackberry fruit intermixed with licorice and barbecue spice. The wine is large-scaled, very intense, with a multi-dimensional, layered personality. This wine should be at its best in about 7-8 years. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 99 (8/2003): The 2001 Syrah Astralis Vineyard may be just as compelling as the 2002. Tighter because of being in the bottle, it is an extraordinary effort that offers the essence of graphite, blackberry liqueur, espresso, and acacia flowers, all combining into an olfactory smorgasbord for the senses. Sensationally concentrated, with sweet tannin, but neither weighty nor over the top as might be expected for a wine of such extreme richness, it is an extraordinarily well-delineated Syrah that should hit its prime in 10-12 years, and last for 30-40. Hail Caesar ... I mean Roman!IWC 95+ (8/2003): (interestingly, the only one of these 2001s to be labeled as "shiraz") Saturated, bright dark ruby to the rim. Superripe, multidimensional nose combines blackberry, blueberry, exotic spices, bitter chocolate and eucalyptus. Superripe, primary and dense, with captivating flavors of crushed raw berries, clove and chocolatey torrefaction. A wine of great spice and verve, finishing extremely long and fresh, with very fine tannins. These 2001s should age gracefully. WS 92 (12/2003): A powerhouse, dark and dense, loaded with pepper and licorice flavors running through the solid blackberry, cherry and plum fruit, persisting on the chewy, oaky finish. There's a lot packed in. Needs cellaring. Best after 2007. 125 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 99 (8/2003): The 2001 Syrah Astralis Vineyard may be just as compelling as the 2002. Tighter because of being in the bottle, it is an extraordinary effort that offers the essence of graphite, blackberry liqueur, espresso, and acacia flowers, all combining into an olfactory smorgasbord for the senses. Sensationally concentrated, with sweet tannin, but neither weighty nor over the top as might be expected for a wine of such extreme richness, it is an extraordinarily well-delineated Syrah that should hit its prime in 10-12 years, and last for 30-40. Hail Caesar ... I mean Roman!IWC 95+ (8/2003): (interestingly, the only one of these 2001s to be labeled as "shiraz") Saturated, bright dark ruby to the rim. Superripe, multidimensional nose combines blackberry, blueberry, exotic spices, bitter chocolate and eucalyptus. Superripe, primary and dense, with captivating flavors of crushed raw berries, clove and chocolatey torrefaction. A wine of great spice and verve, finishing extremely long and fresh, with very fine tannins. These 2001s should age gracefully. WS 92 (12/2003): A powerhouse, dark and dense, loaded with pepper and licorice flavors running through the solid blackberry, cherry and plum fruit, persisting on the chewy, oaky finish. There's a lot packed in. Needs cellaring. Best after 2007. 125 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 99 (10/2004): The 2002 Syrah Astralis Vineyard rivals the greatest wines Roman Bratasiuk has made in his 15-year career. This compelling, black/blue-hued offering from 75-year-old Syrah vines tastes like blood of the vine. An extraordinary perfume of flowers, creme de cassis, blackberries, roasted meat, new saddle leather, and earth is followed by a wine with sweet tannin, sensational concentration, full body, an unctuous texture, and a full-throttle, tannic finish. Yet it reveals unbelievable elegance and finesse. Too many Euro-centric elitists argue that Australian wines are too rich and over the top, but all of these offerings have been made by someone with great talent and vision who takes the extraordinary ripeness and purity of fruit available from these old vine vineyards and crafts them into wines that are quite European in style ... just richer and denser. The 2002 Astralis is a tour de force. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2025+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 92 (2/1998): Two of the most decadent wines made on planet Earth are the limited production (about 900 cases of each) of Old Vine Grenache. In 1996, there are three offerings, but I only tasted two, the Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla Vineyard. The opaque blue/black-colored 1996 Old Vine Grenache Blewitt Springs offers a blackberry, cassis, and peppery-scented nose. Explosively sweet black fruit hits the palate with considerable weight and unctuosity. There may be some residual sugar, although I tend to think the high alcohol (15.5%) and the extremely elevated glycerin level give this wine its slightly sweet palate impression. Huge, and almost too rich and thick to drink with food, I would opt for serving this wine at the end of the meal with well-flavored cheese, or to simply be sipped by itself. The wine is remarkably impressive and powerful, but, wow, what weight and intensity it possesses! Is this too much of a good thing? The wine was aged in 3-4 year old barrels. No new oak is used, and the wine is the better for it. Look for the Blewitt Springs to become more civilized with 3-4 years of bottle age, and keep for two decades.WS 88 (4/1998): Very dark and dense, with gobs of boysenberry, anise and smoke flavors that swirl through the biting tannins on the finish. Promises big things when it matures. Best from 2000 through 2002. 600 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 93 (10/2004): The 2002 Grenache Old Vines Blewitt Springs Vineyard exhibits candied cherry, kirsch liqueur, pepper, and licorice scents along with a Chateau Rayas-like raspberry component. Full-bodied, opulent, and rich, with seamless integration of acidity, wood, and tannin, this medium to full-bodied, gorgeously elegant, intensely flavored 2002 is strikingly complex as well as showy. It will provide immense pleasure over the next decade.WS 92 (5/2004): Firm, chewy, dense style packs a lot of dark ripe berry, cherry and tar flavors into a taut package. It's not heavy, just tightly packed. Needs time to let it all unfurl. Best from 2006 through 2015. 500 cases imported.IWC 89 (8/2004): Good medium red. Superripe aromas of red berries and game. Fat, sweet and lush, with red fruit flavors along with suggestions of dried fruits. Not quite as precise as the Clarendon grenache but spicy and sweet.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 90 (10/2005): The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman Vineyard is ripe, rich, and full-bodied revealing classic aromas of smoky herbs, vanilla, black currants, and damp earth. Made from 60-year-old vines, it is a structured, expansive, deep Cabernet to drink now and over the next decade.IWC 90+ (8/2005): (from 65-year-old vines) Deep red. Exotic potpourri and head shop aromas complement bright bitter cherry and redcurrant. Chewy and dense on the palate, the vanilla, clove and patchouli notes building with air. This is an extremely young and tightly wound but rich and promising cabernet that will reward another five years of aging. WS 88 (6/2005): A pleasing red. Velvety, with ripe plum and mint flavors. The supple finish goes on nicely. Drink now through 2008. 900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (2/2002): The 1997 Shiraz Brookmans Vineyard exhibits a saturated opaque purple color that gives way to a peppery, dried herb, tar, asphalt, and blackberry liqueur-scented nose. As the wine sits in the glass, intense aromas of allspice also emerge. Huge, massive, chewy, and full-bodied, it is packed with fruit, glycerin, and character. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years. This wine is a crowd-pleasing, exotic offering that takes the level of richness and hedonism to sensational heights. This wine is worth trying if only because of its compelling purity, opulence, and explosive richness.IWC 91 (8/1999): Deep ruby. Meaty, carnal aromas of raspberry, roasted game, truffle, and asparagus; not for the fainthearted. Sweet, silky and suave in the mouth, with ripe red berry flavors and far less vegetility than the nose suggests. Finishes long, smooth and strong, with perfectly judged tannins and a note of cinnamon.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (2/2002): The 1997 Shiraz Brookmans Vineyard exhibits a saturated opaque purple color that gives way to a peppery, dried herb, tar, asphalt, and blackberry liqueur-scented nose. As the wine sits in the glass, intense aromas of allspice also emerge. Huge, massive, chewy, and full-bodied, it is packed with fruit, glycerin, and character. Drink it over the next 12-15+ years. This wine is a crowd-pleasing, exotic offering that takes the level of richness and hedonism to sensational heights. This wine is worth trying if only because of its compelling purity, opulence, and explosive richness.IWC 91 (8/1999): Deep ruby. Meaty, carnal aromas of raspberry, roasted game, truffle, and asparagus; not for the fainthearted. Sweet, silky and suave in the mouth, with ripe red berry flavors and far less vegetility than the nose suggests. Finishes long, smooth and strong, with perfectly judged tannins and a note of cinnamon.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 97 (10/2005): The 2003 Syrah Brookman Vineyard possesses great intensity, layers of flavor, exceptionally pure creme de cassis fruit, and hints of black truffles as well as charcoal. This full-bodied, fruit-driven, fabulously well-endowed Syrah should drink well for 12-16 years. IWC 92+ (8/2005): Black-ruby with a violet rim. Powerful, brooding aromas of dark cherry, roasted plum, creme de cassis, dark chocolate and anise. Dense and sweet, almost syrup-textured, with strong dark berry and plum flavors. Boasts serious concentration and extract and finishes weighty and backward. WS 92 (4/2005): Firm, with racy blackberry, spice and something like lime lingering in the background, finishing with refinement. Drink now through 2010. 800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (2/2002): With a striking resemblance to a great vintage of Rayas, this wine continues to offer both freshness and full-bodied, viscous flavors that are about as good as Grenache can be. Sweet black cherry/berry fruit, intermixed with pepper, spice box, and earth, is abundantly present in this super-rich, very full-bodied, exotic wine. As exuberant as its proprietor, this wine is still amazingly fresh and capable of lasting for another 4-5 years.WS 90 (12/1996): Reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this is spicy up front and redolent of blackberry, mint and smoke flavors that knock around exuberantly on the finish. Fun to drink now, might calm down a bit by 1998.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (8/2003): The 2001 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard’s soaring aromatics envelop the olfactory senses offering up notes of freshly ground pepper, spice box, plums, figs, black cherries, and balsam wood. Full-bodied, thick, and unctuously-textured with great finishing acidity that gives delineation and uplift to the wine’s enormous concentration and overall purity, it is a stunning example of old vine Grenache that should drink well for a decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (8/2003): The 2001 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard’s soaring aromatics envelop the olfactory senses offering up notes of freshly ground pepper, spice box, plums, figs, black cherries, and balsam wood. Full-bodied, thick, and unctuously-textured with great finishing acidity that gives delineation and uplift to the wine’s enormous concentration and overall purity, it is a stunning example of old vine Grenache that should drink well for a decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (10/2004): A sexy concoction of kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, and flowers emerges from the 2002 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard. With a sumptuous texture, full body, a splendidly concentrated mid-palate, and an expansive, blockbuster finish offering a bit of tannin, but primarily abundant fruit and glycerin, this impeccably well-balanced whopper should drink well for 10-14 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (10/2004): A sexy concoction of kirsch liqueur, melted licorice, and flowers emerges from the 2002 Grenache Old Vines Clarendon Vineyard. With a sumptuous texture, full body, a splendidly concentrated mid-palate, and an expansive, blockbuster finish offering a bit of tannin, but primarily abundant fruit and glycerin, this impeccably well-balanced whopper should drink well for 10-14 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham Vineyard may be the finest Cabernet I have yet tasted from Clarendon Hills. While stunning from barrel, it is even more prodigious from bottle. An explosive bouquet of creme de cassis, melted licorice, new saddle leather, cedar, and Asian spices is followed by a full-bodied, marvelously concentrated effort that tastes like an Australian version of the profound 1990 Lynch Bages. Huge, concentrated flavors inundate the palate. The wine is seamlessly constructed with a brilliant integration of acidity, tannin, and wood. This fabulous, explosive Cabernet Sauvignon should be at its finest between 2008-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (10/2005): The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Hickinbotham Vineyard is the most backward and Pauillac-like of this trio. Its inky/purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of cedar, black currant liqueur, flowers, licorice, and a notion of new oak in thehttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 93 (10/2005): Kirsch liqueur in addition to ground pepper and white chocolate aromas jump from the glass of the dark ruby/purple-tinged 2003 Grenache Old Vines Hickinbotham Vineyard. Fruity, heady, and rich, with a stunningly textured mouthfeel, this is knock-out stuff.WS 92 (4/2005): Ripe and luscious, beautifully balanced to keep it on its toes, dancing delicately through a long finish, offering plum, cherry and red peppercorn flavors that don't quit. Drink now through 2010. 800 cases made.IWC 91 (8/2005): Deep, bright red. Liqueur-like aromas of cassis, black cherry and licorice, with a subtle hint of white pepper. Extremely sweet, almost candied flavors of raspberry and strawberry, with licorice pastille and violet notes coming up with air. The chewy finish features rich, mocha-laced red berry flavors and well-knit tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (8/2003): The Hickenbotham Syrah blew me away. The 2001 Syrah Hickenbotham boasts glorious amounts of blackberry liqueur intermixed with melted licorice, vanilla, smoke, and earth in a full-bodied, unctuously-textured, viscous style with great purity as well as palate persistence. The finish lasts nearly 60 seconds. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (10/2005): Soft black cherry and cassis fruit are found in the sexy, seductive, dark ruby-colored 2003 Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard. It is a full-bodied, rich, heady, strikingly delicious Grenache to enjoy over the next 7-8 years.WS 93 (4/2005): Tight, smoothly polished and bursting with raspberry, blackberry, plum and sweet spice flavors that emerge with disarming simplicity but just expand on the palate, finishing seamless and beautifully balanced to last and last. Drink now through 2012. 1,200 cases made.IWC 92 (8/2005): Brooding dark red. Seriously concentrated, imploded aromas of black cherry, roasted plum, kirsch and coconut. Then remarkably juicy and fresh on the palate, with vibrant redcurrant and wild strawberry flavors complicated by notes of anise, rose oil and juniper. The finish is high-pitched and fresh, with tangy acids and big, velvety tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (2/1998): Two of the most decadent wines made on planet Earth are the limited production (about 900 cases of each) of Old Vine Grenache. In 1996, there are three offerings, but I only tasted two, the Blewitt Springs and Kangarilla Vineyard. The Blewitt Springs is the first wine I have ever tasted that may be almost too rich to drink. Consequently, I have a slight preference for the 1996 Kangarilla Vineyard (15% alcohol). The latter wine offers an opaque purple color, and a smashingly intense, decadent nose of black raspberries, blueberries, and pepper, followed by equally impressive thick, viscous, super-concentrated, remarkably pure and well-balanced flavors. There are no hard edges to this huge old vine Grenache. The wine's glycerin level (because of the high alcohol) gives it a sweet impression on the palate, and thus it can be drunk now. However, I predict this wine will last for 15 or more years. The wine was aged in 3-4 year old barrels. No new oak is used, and the wine is the better for it. This is one of my favorite Australian wineries and readers who have followed my reviews know of my enthusiasm for recent vintages of the Old Vine Grenache, Astralis, and Merlot. IWC 93 (8/1998): Saturated deep ruby. Flamboyant nose combines dark berries, sappy black cherry, clove and shoe polish. Huge and seamless on the palate, with a primary crushed berry character and enough sheer material to buffer the 15% alcohol. Finishes with a boatload of tongue-coating but even tannins. Extraordinary grenache.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 90 (4/1999) The 1997 Old Vine Grenache Kangarilla Vineyard (14.5% alcohol) is complex with aromas of tobacco, dried herbs, pepper, and sweet black cherry fruit. A big, rich, and full-bodied wine, it reveals significant depth and length. Anticipated maturity: now-2006. This wine is a crowd-pleasing, exotic offering that takes the level of richness and hedonism to sensational heights. This wine is worth trying if only because of its compelling purity, opulence, and explosive richness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (8/2003): The 2001 Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard’s saturated ruby/plum color is followed by a big, extroverted nose of peppery black raspberries, sweet cherries, earth, and loamy soil scents. Awesome concentration, massive body, but good acidity and tannin work in tandem to give definition and vigor to this behemoth. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (10/2004): The expansive, full-bodied 2002 Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard offers aromas and flavors of pure kirsch liqueur. With in-your-face levels of fruit and glycerin, an unctuous texture, and a huge finish, it should drink well for 10-15 years.WS 93 (5/2004): Dense, ripe and tightly wound, a closed bud of a wine that's holding in acres of dark berry, cherry, rose petal and white pepper flavors that are bursting at the seams of superfine tannins to get out. Has impeccable balance, just needs cellaring to show what it has. Best from 2008 through 2020. 400 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 94 (10/2004): The expansive, full-bodied 2002 Grenache Old Vines Kangarilla Vineyard offers aromas and flavors of pure kirsch liqueur. With in-your-face levels of fruit and glycerin, an unctuous texture, and a huge finish, it should drink well for 10-15 years.WS 93 (5/2004): Dense, ripe and tightly wound, a closed bud of a wine that's holding in acres of dark berry, cherry, rose petal and white pepper flavors that are bursting at the seams of superfine tannins to get out. Has impeccable balance, just needs cellaring to show what it has. Best from 2008 through 2020. 400 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 92 (2/2002): The 1997 Shiraz Liandra (14.5% natural alcohol) is a blend of the Clarendon and Kangarilla vineyards. It has an opaque purple color, as well as black cherry and blackberry-scented aromatics with tarry pepper notes. The wine is enormous, with extraordinary fatness and succulence, an unctuous texture, as well as a long, 35-second finish. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. This wine is a crowd-pleasing, exotic offering that takes the level of richness and hedonism to sensational heights. This wine is worth trying if only because of its compelling purity, opulence, and explosive richness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 93 (8/2003): The 2001 Syrah Liandra Vineyard offers up fragrant aromas of acacia flowers intermixed with blackberries, currants, licorice, and vanilla. Powerful and intense yet surprisingly restrained and measured, it builds incrementally in the mouth. Anticipated maturity: now-2018.WS 93 (8/2003): Deep, dense and brooding. Chewy, with fine tannins around a rich core of black cherry, mineral and anise flavors, finishing with a touch of gaminess. A powerful wine, with no rough edges, just all packed in there for the long haul. Best after 2005. 350 cases imported.IWC 90 (8/2003): Bright ruby-red. Aromas of raspberry, mocha, lead pencil and smoke, with meaty and minty nuances. Lush, sweet and suave, with flavors of red fruits, gunflint, truffle and meat. Good rich syrah, but without quite the dimension or verve for an even higher score. Finishes with a hint of chocolatey oak.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 96 (2/2002): The massive 1997 Shiraz Piggott Range Vineyard (14.5% natural alcohol) slightly spicy, but is a classic in the sense of its fabulous display of cassis and blackberry fruit. Extremely full-bodied, with surreal levels of extract and richness, this powerful, mouth-staining Shiraz should be at its peak between 2000-2015. This wine is a crowd-pleasing, exotic offering that takes the level of richness and hedonism to sensational heights. This wine is worth trying if only because of its compelling purity, opulence, and explosive richness.IWC 92 (8/1999): Full ruby color. Warmer aromas of crystallized raspberry, black pepper, truffle and smoked meat. Sweet, layered and concentrated; richer and deeper than the above. Has the structure to age. Finishes very long, with chewy but suave tannins. Very impressive.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 96 (8/2003): The 2001 Syrah Piggott Range may be one of several Clarendon Hills’ Syrah cuvees that stand toe to toe with its 2002 sibling. A giant Syrah, it boasts an enormously rich nose of black fruits, subtle vanilla, smoke, and a hint of graphite. Extremely full-bodied, thick, and prodigious, it will be at its finest between 2008-2025. IWC 94+ (8/2003): Saturated bright, dark ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, violet, pepper and eucalyptus. Lush, deep, chewy and extremely primary, with a highly concentrated flavor of crushed raw blackberry. Densely packed, impressively rich syrah, finishing with powerful but ripe tannins. A bit like a junior version of this producer's Astralis. Next to a wine like this, many of Australia's extremely late-harvested shiraz bottlings come off as cooked, flabby and distinctly tiring to drink.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 96 (8/2003): The 2001 Syrah Piggott Range may be one of several Clarendon Hills’ Syrah cuvees that stand toe to toe with its 2002 sibling. A giant Syrah, it boasts an enormously rich nose of black fruits, subtle vanilla, smoke, and a hint of graphite. Extremely full-bodied, thick, and prodigious, it will be at its finest between 2008-2025. IWC 94+ (8/2003): Saturated bright, dark ruby to the rim. Deep, brooding aromas of blackberry, violet, pepper and eucalyptus. Lush, deep, chewy and extremely primary, with a highly concentrated flavor of crushed raw blackberry. Densely packed, impressively rich syrah, finishing with powerful but ripe tannins. A bit like a junior version of this producer's Astralis. Next to a wine like this, many of Australia's extremely late-harvested shiraz bottlings come off as cooked, flabby and distinctly tiring to drink.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 96 (10/2004): The 2002 Grenache Old Vines Romas Vineyard’s saturated ruby/purple color is followed by a superb bouquet of black fruits, truffles, Asian spices, figs, and licorice. Powerful, rich, and upfront, this layered, intensely concentrated Grenache can be drunk now or cellared for 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspIWC 92 (8/2001): Deep ruby-red. Black raspberry, lavender, earth and sexy oak tones on the nose; shows almost exotic ripeness without going over the top. Thick, powerful fruit has buns of steel. Freshened and clarified by juicy acids. Finishes very bright and long. WA 91 (2/2000): The dark ruby-colored 1998 Grenache La Testa (150 cases from 5-60-year old vines that yielded an average of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre) exhibits a knock-out nose of sweet vanillin intermixed with jammy black raspberries and kirsch. Deep, pure, expansive, and fleshy, this is a hedonistic wine to drink over the next decade.WS 88 (9/2000): Dark in color, focused in flavor. Offers a brilliant beam of blackberry and spice that lasts impressively on the finish. Drink now through 2003. 150 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClassicMcLaren.aspIWC 94 (8/2004): (a blend of shiraz , grenache, cabernet sauvignon, mourvedre, carignan and muscadelle) Medium ruby. Cassis, raspberry, violet, pepper and eucalyptus on the nose. Dense, spicy and vibrant, with superconcentrated, sharply delineated flavors of blackberry, chocolate, pepper and spices. A far cry from the literally dozens of dead fruit shirazes I tasted in recent weeks from Australia This has superb backbone and lift, and a bright, very long finish.WA 92 (10/2005): The dense purple-colored 2002 Emigre offers a sweet nose of blackberries, camphor, and smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, elegant, and seamless, it is a big, well-balanced red with wonderful ripeness, nicely-integrated wood, and a long, concentrated mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.WS 92 (3/2005): Rich in texture, almost Port-like in character, lavish in its ripe cherry and berry flavors, finishing so rich it feels sweet. A humdinger to admire, but better drink it with something equally muscular. Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Carignane and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ColonialEstate.aspIWC 94 (8/2004): (a blend of shiraz , grenache, cabernet sauvignon, mourvedre, carignan and muscadelle) Medium ruby. Cassis, raspberry, violet, pepper and eucalyptus on the nose. Dense, spicy and vibrant, with superconcentrated, sharply delineated flavors of blackberry, chocolate, pepper and spices. A far cry from the literally dozens of dead fruit shirazes I tasted in recent weeks from Australia This has superb backbone and lift, and a bright, very long finish.WA 92 (10/2005): The dense purple-colored 2002 Emigre offers a sweet nose of blackberries, camphor, and smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, elegant, and seamless, it is a big, well-balanced red with wonderful ripeness, nicely-integrated wood, and a long, concentrated mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.WS 92 (3/2005): Rich in texture, almost Port-like in character, lavish in its ripe cherry and berry flavors, finishing so rich it feels sweet. A humdinger to admire, but better drink it with something equally muscular. Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Carignane and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ColonialEstate.aspIWC 94 (8/2004): (a blend of shiraz , grenache, cabernet sauvignon, mourvedre, carignan and muscadelle) Medium ruby. Cassis, raspberry, violet, pepper and eucalyptus on the nose. Dense, spicy and vibrant, with superconcentrated, sharply delineated flavors of blackberry, chocolate, pepper and spices. A far cry from the literally dozens of dead fruit shirazes I tasted in recent weeks from Australia This has superb backbone and lift, and a bright, very long finish.WA 92 (10/2005): The dense purple-colored 2002 Emigre offers a sweet nose of blackberries, camphor, and smoke. Full-bodied, opulent, elegant, and seamless, it is a big, well-balanced red with wonderful ripeness, nicely-integrated wood, and a long, concentrated mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.WS 92 (3/2005): Rich in texture, almost Port-like in character, lavish in its ripe cherry and berry flavors, finishing so rich it feels sweet. A humdinger to admire, but better drink it with something equally muscular. Shiraz, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon, Mourvèdre, Carignane and Muscadelle. Drink now through 2015. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ColonialEstate.aspWA 95 (10/2005): Even more intense than the 2003, the 2002 Exile is a superb example of this fabulous vintage in Barossa. Black/purple-colored with sensational purity, a blackberry liqueur, cassis intensity, and beautifully integrated wood, alcohol, and tannin, this large yet brilliantly balanced effort can be drunk now, but promises to age effortlessly for 10-15 years.WS 91 (12/2004): Ripe and generous, teeming with spicy, peppery, slightly earthy blackberry, cocoa bean and tar flavors, finishing with fine texture and sharp focus. Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2012. 1,000 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2004): Bright medium ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of black cherry, chocolate, mocha and woodsmoke. Thick, superconcentrated and dense; fatter than the Emigre but less vibrant, with lower-toned, somewhat saline flavors of berries, chocolate, and nut skin. Finishes thick, nutty and very long, with building tannins. A more massive wine than the Emigre, but I preferred the Emigre.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ColonialEstate.aspWA 95 (10/2005): Even more intense than the 2003, the 2002 Exile is a superb example of this fabulous vintage in Barossa. Black/purple-colored with sensational purity, a blackberry liqueur, cassis intensity, and beautifully integrated wood, alcohol, and tannin, this large yet brilliantly balanced effort can be drunk now, but promises to age effortlessly for 10-15 years.WS 91 (12/2004): Ripe and generous, teeming with spicy, peppery, slightly earthy blackberry, cocoa bean and tar flavors, finishing with fine texture and sharp focus. Shiraz, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Drink now through 2012. 1,000 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2004): Bright medium ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of black cherry, chocolate, mocha and woodsmoke. Thick, superconcentrated and dense; fatter than the Emigre but less vibrant, with lower-toned, somewhat saline flavors of berries, chocolate, and nut skin. Finishes thick, nutty and very long, with building tannins. A more massive wine than the Emigre, but I preferred the Emigre.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ColonialEstate.aspWS 88 (10/2000): Firm, chewy and spicy, with dark cherry, anise and herb flavors on a solid foundation. Has some tannin to lose, but it bodes well that the fruit flavors echo nicely on the finish. Best from 2002 through 2008. 175 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Coriole.aspWS 88 (10/2000): Firm, chewy and spicy, with dark cherry, anise and herb flavors on a solid foundation. Has some tannin to lose, but it bodes well that the fruit flavors echo nicely on the finish. Best from 2002 through 2008. 175 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Coriole.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Craneford.aspWA 93 (10/2005): The 2002 The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon possesses a sweet perfume of roasted herbs, black currants, blackberries, lead pencil shavings, and background oak. Full-bodied and structured, it is just a notch below the quality of the 2003. Drink it over the next 12+ years.IWC 89 (8/2004): Saturated ruby-red. Aromas of currant, graphite, tobacco leaf, coconut and herbs. Sweet, fat and lush, with a light cabernet herbaceousness contributing to the wine's complexity. Finishes with palate-coating, slightly dry-edged tannins and very good length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 94+ (6/2009); One of the most backward wines included in the June tasting, this 1998 needs another 4-5 years to reach full maturity. Everything is here, including a dense ruby/purple color, and subtle but impressive notes of damp earth, roasted meats, herbs, spice box, pepper, and black fruits. Tannic, full-bodied, and youthful, it is capable of lasting another 25-30 years.WS 93 (6/2001): Shiraz that's packed with layers of flavor, offering ripe berry, plum, exotic spices and a touch of mint as the long finish unfurls. Can go decades in the cellar. Best after 2003. 6,500 cases made. IWC 90+ (8/2000): Bright ruby. Blackberry, bitter chocolate, cracked pepper, eucalyptus and a whiff of game on the complex nose. Fat, sweet and dense, with concentrated blackberry, dark chocolate and mint flavors. From small berries, and it shows in the wine intensity. Finishes with dusty, even, tongue-coating tannins and notes of mint, spicy oak and blackberry. Quite young and unevolved.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 98 (8/2003): Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years.WS 88 (12/2004): Dense and distinctive for its spicy, licorice-scented black cherry and berry flavors, solid at the center but it feels tightly wound and unwilling to open up. Maybe with time, but this doesn't show the depth and length Dead Arm usually achieves. Tasted four times, with bottle variation. Best after 2007. 1,000 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 98 (8/2003): Readers should be on the look out for the 2001 The Dead Arm Shiraz, one of the greatest examples of this cuvee. Its dense black/purple color is accompanied by celestial aromas of melted licorice, graphite, blackberries, cassis, incense, anise, and toasty oak. Fabulously concentrated, with great purity, an unctuous, viscous texture, and an amazingly long, 60-second plus finish, this fabulous baby will need 5-6 years of cellaring, and should drink well over the following 20-25 years.WS 88 (12/2004): Dense and distinctive for its spicy, licorice-scented black cherry and berry flavors, solid at the center but it feels tightly wound and unwilling to open up. Maybe with time, but this doesn't show the depth and length Dead Arm usually achieves. Tasted four times, with bottle variation. Best after 2007. 1,000 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 90 (10/2004): The explosively perfumed, rich, multidimensional 2002 The Derelict Vineyard Grenache displays a dense ruby/purple-tinged color. This wine, which emerges from old head-pruned vineyards, possesses classic kirsch liqueur notes intermixed with licorice, smoke, spice, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, with a nicely layered mid-palate, loads of fruit, good glycerin, and a succulent finish, this is a delicious Australian red to drink over the next 7-8 years. IWC 89 (8/2004): Good dark red. Cool, vibrant aromas of crushed red berries. Sweet, dense and stuffed with primary red fruit flavors. Finishes with big but broad tannins and lovely dark berry persistence. This is actually from the producer's oldest and best grenache lots, rather than from a single vineyard.WS 86 (12/2004): Firm, a chunky style that offers plenty of blackberry and licorice flavors, kind of like a narrower style of Shiraz. Finishes a tad hot. Drink now through 2010. 300 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 90 (2/1998): The red wines are all exuberantly fruity, cleanly made rich wines. Among the more limited edition offerings are several wines that represent some of d'Arenberg's finest parcels, all of which are basket-pressed. For example, most readers will love the 1995 Ironstone Pressings, a Grenache/Shiraz blend that is a terrific, fruity, interesting wine of very high quality. It is medium to full-bodied, with loads of black fruits (plums, blackberries and cherries) in its aromas and flavors. Viscous and massive in the mouth, the wine is long and pure. Because of the wine's low acidity and voluptuous style, it is a wine to drink now and over the next 8-9 years.WS 87 (7/1997): On the lighter side, but the nice mouthful of blackberry and black cherry flavors holds through the solid finish. Grenache and Shiraz. Drink now. 200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 91 (10/2005): The beautifully floral and cassis-scented and flavored 2002 Shiraz was aged 16 months in equal parts French and American oak casks. It exhibits a dense ruby/purple color along with elegant yet authoritative flavors of black currants, licorice, charcoal, and a hint of earth. Drink this pure, ripe, long Shiraz over the next 7-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Dalwhinnie.aspIWC 89 (10/2005): Dark red. Sweet, tobacco-laced aromas of blackcurrant, cherry, plum and spicecake. Push and round yet juicy, with succulent dark berry and plum flavors. Finishes juicy and long, with a sweet, vibrant suggestion of dark cherry.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DogRidge.aspIWC 90 (10/2005): Green-tinged gold. Exuberant peach and nectarine aromas lifted by a spicy note of white pepper. Medium-bodied, racy and clean, showing a tangy white peach flavor and finishing on a subtle, youthfully taut note of apple. Really fresh and delicious.WS 88 (6/2006): Silky and sweet, with pretty honey and pineapple aromas and flavors, finishing sweet and syrupy, balanced with enough acidity to keep it from cloying. Drink now through 2010. 600 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWA 90 (2/1998): Readers may remember the stunning reviews I gave to Elderton's 1992 Command Shiraz. The flamboyantly-styled, lavishly-oaked, exotic, opaque purple-colored 1993 Command Shiraz possesses an intense, smoky, jammy prune and blackberry-scented nose, followed by dense, full-boded, gorgeously silky-textured flavors that are bursting with fruit, glycerin, and alcohol. It is a mouthfilling, viscous style of Shiraz that makes an immediate impression. This wine should become more civilized over the next few years, and drink well for a decade or more.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWS 95 (6/2000): A superrich and jammy Aussie red sporting a wonderful array of black cherry, wild berry, seductive toasty oak and spice nuances. The texture is silky-smooth, the finish a mile-long. Drink now through 2008. 1,800 cases made.WA 94 (4/1999): The opaque purple-colored 1995 Command Shiraz boasts huge toasty American oak aromas intermixed with thrilling levels of jammy black raspberry and berry fruit. The wine is explosively rich, with low acidity, and spectacular concentration and purity. Although not complex, it is mouth-filling, teeth-staining, and ostentatious. Drink it over the next 7-10+ years. I suspect This wine will become more civilized and less exuberant with bottle age. Elderton's wines are not for tasters seeking subtlety and elegance. This is an outrageously oaky, flamboyantly-styled offering with immense hedonistic appeal.IWC 90 (8/2000): Full, deep ruby. Exotic wood spices, tar, plum, blackberry, black cherry and licorice on the nose. Sweet and dense in the mouth, but given verve by pungent minerality and firm acidity. Strong element of tarry oak. A powerfully structured wine with noteworthy extract. Finishes with pungent oak notes, good grip and very good length. Showing riper and more harmonious than a sample tasted a year ago.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWA 92 (6/2001): This wine sees plenty of French oak and is structured, with high levels of extract as well as tannin. It is built for 15-20 years of cellaring. The opaque purple-colored 1997 Command Shiraz offers abundant creamy new oak in the nose, gorgeous creme de cassis aromas and flavors, a structured, moderately tannic, full-bodied, powerful, muscular style, and a finish that lasts for 35+ seconds. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWA 96 (4/1999): The 1997 Shiraz Reserve conceals its nearly 15% alcohol behind a cascade of incredibly rich, concentrated fruit. This wine sees only new American oak. It boasts an opaque black/purple color in addition to knock-out aromas of melted asphalt, blackberries, truffles, and licorice. Cherry jam notes also emerge in the flavors. Unctuously-textured, incredibly ripe, pure, and full-bodied, this wine would make even Australia's Grange look wimpish if tasted side by side. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. Celestial black currants intermixed with coffee, licorice, Asian spices, and pain grille notes are more reminiscent of a blockbuster vintage of Mouton-Rothschild than what I would expect from a Shiraz/Cabernets blend.IWC 92 (8/1999): Bright, saturated dark ruby. Extravagantly ripe aromas of dark berries, mocha, licorice, road tar and shoe polish. Lush, urgent, very concentrated dark berry and mint flavors are given clarity by bright acids. Powerfully structured to age. Finishes with substantial but ripe tannins and impressive persistence. Among the two or three most impressive examples of Australian shiraz I've tasted this year.WS 89 (6/2000): Eccentric and distinctive. Ripe up front, like a Port, with exuberant berry, violet and wet earth flavors. Lacks a little flesh midpalate, with dry tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2002. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FoxCreek.aspWA 96 (4/1999): The 1997 Shiraz Reserve conceals its nearly 15% alcohol behind a cascade of incredibly rich, concentrated fruit. This wine sees only new American oak. It boasts an opaque black/purple color in addition to knock-out aromas of melted asphalt, blackberries, truffles, and licorice. Cherry jam notes also emerge in the flavors. Unctuously-textured, incredibly ripe, pure, and full-bodied, this wine would make even Australia's Grange look wimpish if tasted side by side. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2025. Celestial black currants intermixed with coffee, licorice, Asian spices, and pain grille notes are more reminiscent of a blockbuster vintage of Mouton-Rothschild than what I would expect from a Shiraz/Cabernets blend.IWC 92 (8/1999): Bright, saturated dark ruby. Extravagantly ripe aromas of dark berries, mocha, licorice, road tar and shoe polish. Lush, urgent, very concentrated dark berry and mint flavors are given clarity by bright acids. Powerfully structured to age. Finishes with substantial but ripe tannins and impressive persistence. Among the two or three most impressive examples of Australian shiraz I've tasted this year.WS 89 (6/2000): Eccentric and distinctive. Ripe up front, like a Port, with exuberant berry, violet and wet earth flavors. Lacks a little flesh midpalate, with dry tannins on the finish. Drink now through 2002. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FoxCreek.aspWA 98 (2/2000): Nearly perfect, the opaque black/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz Reserve (2,300 cases) plays to the great strength of Australia -- powerful, naturally-textured, super-rich wines that are big and chewy. Exceptionally rich and explosive, with great purity as well as remarkable symmetry and overall balance for such massiveness, this blockbuster can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. Make no doubt about it, this Shiraz will elicit more than a few "wows" in any tasting - blind or otherwise.IWC 95+ (8/2000): Saturated ruby. Sappy crushed blackberry aroma lifted by floral and minty components. Urgent dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors offer great sappy freshness and verve. There's nothing raisiny about this nearly painfully delineated shiraz. Extraordinarily penetrating, firmly tannic finish. Aged in American oak but oak was the last thing I noticed. Extraordinary juice.WS 89 (9/2000): Firm, juicy and jam-packed with fruit, a lively mouthful of blackberry, plum and pepper flavors that linger with nice hints of vanilla and spice on the polished finish. Best from 2002 through 2008. 2,300 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FoxCreek.aspWA 98 (2/2000): Nearly perfect, the opaque black/purple-colored 1998 Shiraz Reserve (2,300 cases) plays to the great strength of Australia -- powerful, naturally-textured, super-rich wines that are big and chewy. Exceptionally rich and explosive, with great purity as well as remarkable symmetry and overall balance for such massiveness, this blockbuster can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years. Make no doubt about it, this Shiraz will elicit more than a few "wows" in any tasting - blind or otherwise.IWC 95+ (8/2000): Saturated ruby. Sappy crushed blackberry aroma lifted by floral and minty components. Urgent dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors offer great sappy freshness and verve. There's nothing raisiny about this nearly painfully delineated shiraz. Extraordinarily penetrating, firmly tannic finish. Aged in American oak but oak was the last thing I noticed. Extraordinary juice.WS 89 (9/2000): Firm, juicy and jam-packed with fruit, a lively mouthful of blackberry, plum and pepper flavors that linger with nice hints of vanilla and spice on the polished finish. Best from 2002 through 2008. 2,300 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/FoxCreek.aspWA 90 (10/2004): The 1999 Georgie’s Walk (80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Shiraz) exhibits classic black currant fruit characteristics interwoven with notions of spice box, cedar, and well-integrated wood. Medium to full-bodied with beautiful balance and purity as well as surprising elegance for a Barossa offering, it can be drunk now and over the next 5-6 years. This is an attractively packaged as well as well-made effort.WS 90 (8/2004): Earthy, ripe and distinctive. A minty, mineral layer over the currant and licorice flavors persists onto a solid finish. Drink now through 2012. 800 cases imported.IWC 86 (8/2004): Dark red. Roasted currant, chocolate liqueur, coffee, tobacco and exotic woodsmoke on the nose. Sweet berry and coffee flavors are complicated by a hint of Valrhona chocolate and a slightly porty cooked fruit aspect. Finishes with sweet tannins and decent length, with a hint of nut skin. Not bad.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DavidFranz.aspWA 91 (10/2004): The 2001 SBR is produced from ripe fruit harvested from the vineyard’s oldest parcels. An experimental cuvee, it was slightly oaky, and not as well-balanced as the regular Cabernet. Although the aromatics are dominated by wood, the wine is unquestionably concentrated with outstanding potential. It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age, and will keep for 10-15+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GralynEstate.aspWA 90 (6/2001): The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon (100% Cabernet Sauvignon from 11-year old vines, aged in a combination of one-year old and new French oak) is a fruit-dominated wine with the classic cassis intermixed with a touch of herbs, a slight notion of volatile acidity, and a spicy finish. The wine is full-bodied, ripe, but at the same time, elegant, particularly for a Greenock Creek wine.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GreenockCreekCellars.aspWA 99 (10/2004): The 2001 Shiraz Apricot Block represents a spectacular example of Barossa Shiraz. Made from 10-year-old vines cropped at 1-1.5 tons per acre, it is a dense, full-bodied Shiraz possessing fabulous intensity, great purity, and a multi-tiered, skyscraper-like mid-palate. It can be drunk young or cellared through 2018-2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GreenockCreekCellars.aspWA 93 (8/2003): The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Roennfeldt Road is a full-bodied, inky ruby/purple-colored effort revealing extraordinarily intense notes of creme de cassis fruit intermixed with underbrush, vanilla, and cedar/tobacco. Already complex as well as formidably endowed, with exceptional intensity, purity, power, and a 60+ second finish, this Barossa Valley legend should age for two decades. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GreenockCreekCellars.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GreenockCreekCellars.aspWA 92 (2/2000): The 1997 Gaia Proprietary Red Wine (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot) displays a Bordeaux-like red and black currant-scented nose with spice box, cedar, and vanillin. This classy effort represents a perfect marriage of traditional European winemaking with Australia's more modern day approach. Medium-bodied, with moderate tannin, and well-integrated acidity and wood, this elegant wine should drink well for 12-15 years.IWC 91 (8/2000): Medium-deep ruby. Sappy aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry syrup, woodsmoke, game and dried herbs. Round and sweet but freshened by juicy acidity. Enticing flavor of black raspberry. Dense but pliant. A nicely extracted, harmonious wine that finishes with ripe, well-integrated tannins and persistent sweet fruit.WS 85 (6/2000): Crisp in texture, with cedary black cherry and spice flavors battling past a layer of scratchy tannins on the finish. Has enough richness to balance. Best after 2002. 100 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Grosset.aspWA 92 (10/2005): Grosset’s Chardonnay Piccadilly is consistently one of the finest Chardonnays made in Australia, and the medium to full-bodied 2003 reveals a restrained use of wood along with notes of poached pears intermixed with lemon butter and ripe apples. A supple texture, fresh acidity, and wonderful finesse, texture, and length result in an exceptional offering that should drink well for several years.WS 90 (12/2005): Lithe, spicy style has layers of peach, baked apple and grapefruit flavors, lingering effectively on the smooth finish. Drink now through 2008. 100 cases imported.IWC 88 (8/2005): Light straw color. Smoky, leesy aromas of ripe apple and honey accented by white pepper, dried mint and nutmeg. Solid and focused in the mouth, with no undue weight. Crisp, bright flavors of Granny Smith apple, tangy lemon and minerals. Only 20% of this went through malolactic fermentation. Restrained and taut on the finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Grosset.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/JJHahn.aspWS 91 (12/2004): Dark and ripe, not at all heavy, with an elegance to the blackberry, currant and dried cherry flavors that linger effortlessly on the toasty, fine-grained finish. Drink now through 2012. 800 cases imported.IWC 90 (8/2005): Almost opaque ruby. Aromas of ripe cassis, blackberry, dark plum, roasted coffee and mocha, with flamboyant oak spices. Offers a supple, round texture, with juicy dark berry flavors laced with licorice, espresso and sweet oak. Not the last word in complexity, but undeniably sexy shiraz.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/StHallett.aspWS 82 (12/2007): Dark and a bit overripe, with more spice and raisin notes than anything else. Drink now through 2010. 500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HenrysDrive.aspWA 95 (10/2005): The 2003 Shiraz Reserve, which I assume is made from the richest barrels, has all the same characteristics of the regular bottling, with more weight, opulence, and persistence. The 16% alcohol is beautifully concealed by its prodigious concentration. Readers who love the extroverted personalities of these wild and crazy Australian reds should drink it over the next 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HenrysDrive.aspWS 90 (5/2002): A lovely wine, distinctive for its grace and harmony, balancing currant, cherry, earth and chocolate notes on a fine-grained frame. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2008. 140 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWA 90 (10/2007): The 2005 Henry’s Seven is a blend of 65% Shiraz, 25% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and 5% Viognier. Dark ruby-colored, it has an attractive bouquet of spice box, damp earth, floral notes, black cherry, and blueberry. Supple and sweet on the palate, it has layers of flavor and a lengthy finish. It should be drunk in its first 4-6 years of life. WS 89 (9/2007): Lithe and open-textured, with ripe raspberry and white chocolate flavors at the fore, followed by hints of peach pit as the finish sails on and on. Finishes a tad hot. Shiraz, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Viognier. Drink now through 2013. 150 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWA 95 (4/1997): Other than the top cuvees of Penfolds' Grange, and the old vine Grenache and Astralis from Clarendon Hills, no Australian wines are richer than these offerings from Henschke - a winery that gets my nod as one of Australia's two or three finest producers. Each of these wines coats the mouth with glorious levels of jammy fruit, extract, glycerin, and silky tannin. They are all dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, and capable of lasting at least a decade, and in the case of the 1991 Shiraz Hill of Grace, possibly 20+ years.WS 91 (6/1995): Marked by minty currant aromas with flavors to match. A bit rustic and still tannic, but it unfolds some complex flavors and holds together. Should be even better by 1997. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 94 (11/1997): Earthy, almost decadent-tasting, but there are plenty of ripe plum, prune and black cherry flavors to accompany the gamy streak and hints of black pepper in this distinctive wine. Impressive now, better in 2000 or 2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspJR 17 (3/2003): Looks fully mature. Subdued, very Rhônelike nose (for the first time in this flight!) - or is this the hail damage?!. Nicely integrated, complex bouquet has already developed. Some black pepper. Tastes as though this was one of the less ripe vintages but the result is a very approachable, well mannered wine. Perhaps this is my European background and Australians would be disappointed by its lack of oomph, but this wine offers drinkability and balance.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWA 89 (10/2004): The red wine portfolio includes the relatively expensive, sexy 2002 Johann’s Garden, a blend of 65% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, and 13% Shiraz. Its dark ruby color is followed by a big nose of black cherry liqueur, licorice, earth, and a hint of bay leaves. This well-made, tasty, medium-bodied red has no hard edges, and is meant for consumption over the next 3-4 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 93 (3/1996): (WS #4 wine of 1996) Smooth and spicy, with a nice undercurrent of ripe plum and anise flavors, plus a touch of prune. A harmonious and amazingly elegant Australian red that's appealing now. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. 5,000 cases made. WA 91 (4/1997): Other than the top cuvees of Penfolds' Grange, and the old vine Grenache and Astralis from Clarendon Hills, no Australian wines are richer than these offerings from Henschke - a winery that gets my nod as one of Australia's two or three finest producers. Each of these wines coats the mouth with glorious levels of jammy fruit, extract, glycerin, and silky tannin. They are all dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, and capable of lasting at least a decade, and in the case of the 1991 Shiraz Hill of Grace, possibly 20+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 96 (5/1996): Luxuriant, opulent, heady, showing spicy plum, blackberry, cherry and gently peppery aromas and flavors that swirl harmoniously and echo long and sweet on the supple finish. Still youthful, this Australian red is already expertly balanced and poised to improve through 2005. 1,500 cases made. WA 94 (4/1997): Other than the top cuvees of Penfolds' Grange, and the old vine Grenache and Astralis from Clarendon Hills, no Australian wines are richer than these offerings from Henschke - a winery that gets my nod as one of Australia's two or three finest producers. Each of these wines coats the mouth with glorious levels of jammy fruit, extract, glycerin, and silky tannin. They are all dense ruby/purple-colored, full-bodied, and capable of lasting at least a decade, and in the case of the 1991 Shiraz Hill of Grace, possibly 20+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 93 (6/1998): Feel the depth, feel the elegance, taste the lovely range of ripe plum, prune, anise, black cherry and spice flavors that linger with real style and grace in this Australian red. Delicious now. Best from 2000 through 2010. 500 cases made.IWC 91+ (8/1998): Bright ruby-red. Vibrant, wild aromas of crunchy red berries, soy sauce, game, minerals and cola. Supple, dense and very young; packed with fruit. Slight gamey/truffley quality. Firm tannins and acids give the wine excellent backbone for aging. Finishes long and subtle, with terrific grip. A very unevolved wine that may ultimately merit a higher score.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 93 (6/1998): Feel the depth, feel the elegance, taste the lovely range of ripe plum, prune, anise, black cherry and spice flavors that linger with real style and grace in this Australian red. Delicious now. Best from 2000 through 2010. 500 cases made.IWC 91+ (8/1998): Bright ruby-red. Vibrant, wild aromas of crunchy red berries, soy sauce, game, minerals and cola. Supple, dense and very young; packed with fruit. Slight gamey/truffley quality. Firm tannins and acids give the wine excellent backbone for aging. Finishes long and subtle, with terrific grip. A very unevolved wine that may ultimately merit a higher score.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 94 (12/1999): Bright and focused in flavor, this lithe red centers around a lovely beam of blackberry and tobacco flavors that linger forever and pick up an interesting gamy note on the refined finish. Has plenty of room to grow. Drink now through 2008. 1,100 cases made. IWC 91 (8/1999): Bright ruby-red. Superripe nose features pungent cassis, blackberry, minerals, eucalyptus, pepper and molasses. Very dense and concentrated, with superb balance and thrust. Youthful flavors are sharply defined, yet the wine retains an inviting supple texture. Finishes with very suave tannins and very persistent, peppery flavor.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWA 94 (8/2003): A knock-out red, the 2000 Shiraz Mt. Edelstone reveals a brooding purple color, great intensity, and tremendous power yet overall there is a sense of restraint as well as admirable purity of character. No wimpish effort, it is a layered Shiraz that builds incrementally across the palate, offering expansive blackberry, earthy, peppery notes with smoke and wood in the background. This cuvee, produced from an 86-year old vineyard in the northern sector of Eden Valley, will be even better with 2-3 more years of bottle age; it will last for 12-15 years.WS 90 (9/2003): Has a distinct pickle barrel note that runs through the rich blackberry, smoke and white pepper flavors that last nicely on the fine-grained, slightly leathery finish. Drink now through 2008. 105 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWA 96 (10/2004): From a 91-year-old vineyard in a cool sector of the Barossa, this fabulous Shiraz was made by Chris Ringland for proprietor Greg Hobbs. After spending two years in both new and old French hogsheads, it offers a cool climate, peppery nose revealing scents of flowers, and red as well as black currants, superb concentration, an enticing texture, and great delineation. With 15% alcohol, it is a spectacular effort from this up-and-coming producer that should drink well for 10-12 years. I’m glad to give it high marks as Greg Hobbs is a retired member of Adelaide’s SWAT team.IWC 91+ (8/2004): from a vineyard featuring 60-year-old vines, adjacent to Chris Ringland's Three Rivers Vineyard) Good medium ruby. Musky, expressive aromas of blackberry, licorice and pepper. Thick, sappy and deep; rich and concentrated. Dense and solid yet already highly aromatic in the mouth. Wild berries, pepper, licorice and fresh herbs, along with a gamey nuance. The wine's strong extract really coats the palate. Finishes with major tannins and impressive length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Hobbs.aspWS 95 (9/2005): Distinctly peppery, a spicy mouthful of cherry, red plum and cream flavors and supersilky tannins with a layer of black pepper character that shows on the first whiff and doesn't give up as the finish goes on and on. Has real personality and style. Drink now through 2022. 31 cases imported.WA 93 (10/2005): Made from younger vines (30 years), the 2002 Shiraz Gregor is more Amarone-like than the regular bottling, offering concentrated, intense notes of figs, blackberries, cherries, and currants along with an earthy, chocolatey character that is probably due to the fact that some of the grapes are semi-dried after harvest and before fermentation. After years in French oak, it is a big, full-throttle Shiraz that should age effortlessly for 10-15 years. Consumers should think of it as an Amarone Shiraz from Australia.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Hobbs.aspIWC 91 (8/2007): Inky ruby. Pungent dark berry and kirsch on the nose, along with a complex array of game, spice and floral accents. Lush and creamy, with concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors, gentle acidity and a building impression of Asian spices. Nothing jammy here. The expansive finish features building blackcurrant and bitter cherry fruit and impressive length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWS 93 (11/2009): Manages to be dense and elegant at the same time, playing its dark plum, fresh fig and spice flavors against superslick tannins, letting it all expand beautifully on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWS 93 (11/2009): Manages to be dense and elegant at the same time, playing its dark plum, fresh fig and spice flavors against superslick tannins, letting it all expand beautifully on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWS 93 (11/2009): Manages to be dense and elegant at the same time, playing its dark plum, fresh fig and spice flavors against superslick tannins, letting it all expand beautifully on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWS 92 (11/2009): Smooth and distinctive for its black olive, licorice and balsamic overtones around a core of dark, brooding blackberry and currant fruit. Lingers intensely. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWS 92 (11/2009): Smooth and distinctive for its black olive, licorice and balsamic overtones around a core of dark, brooding blackberry and currant fruit. Lingers intensely. Drink now through 2017. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HundredAcreWinery.aspWA 96 (10/2004): The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz Old Bastard was fashioned from a vineyard planted in 1896, and was cropped at one ton of fruit per acre. It spent 22 months in French oak before being bottled with neither fining nor filtration. A spectacular perfume of raspberries, plums, blackberries, espresso, vanilla, and charcoal is followed by a tannic Shiraz with a huge palate, massive concentration, tremendous richness, and a multidimensional flavor profile. Less alcoholic (15.2%) than The Bogan, it should be cellared for 4-6 years, and consumed over the following 20-25. While the 2002 is a brilliant effort, it is not quite as massive as the 2001 ... but that’s splitting hairs. WS 94 (3/2005): A skyscraper of a wine. Dense, powerful and rangy, with raw-edged cherry, blackberry and cedary spice flavors competing for attention, persisting impressively on the long, vivid finish. Give it time to integrate its tannins. Best from 2007 through 2017. 300 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.aspWA 96 (10/2005): The 2003 Shiraz Old Bastard is a candidate for Shiraz of the vintage from South Australia. Exhibiting an inky/purple color along with serious velocity and intensity, it is a superb expression of top-notch Barossa Valley Shiraz. A glorious perfume of charcoal, blackberry liqueur, smoke, and vanilla is followed by an enormous, but neither heavy nor over-ripe wine that is a testament to the winemaking skills of Reid Bosward. This big, pure, rich Shiraz can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years.IWC 92 (8/2005): Deep, bright ruby. Flamboyantly ripe aromas of singed blackberry, creme de cassis, peppered bacon, mocha, dried rose and oak spices, plus an exotic note of blood orange. Rich, velvety and dense, with sweet, powerful flavors of blackcurrant, fruitcake, fudge, vanilla and black olive, all lifted by a floral top note. Finishes long and sweet, with fully enveloped tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.aspWA 93-95 (10/2005): The 2004 Old Vine Shiraz (from a vineyard planted in 1961) was aged in 100% French oak. Its opaque purple color is followed by earth, graphite, and melted road tar characteristics as well as a long, full-throttle palate that has more layers, finesse, and concentration than The Bogan. WS 91 (9/2006): Bright and focused, a jazzy mouthful of blackberry and cherry fruit shaded with licorice and pepper. It gets a bit alcoholic in the mouth, but it has the density to carry it off. Best after 2008. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.aspWA 96 (10/2004): The 2002 Shiraz The Bogan, which is aged 22 months in American oak before being bottled unfiltered, is a spectacular, classic example of Barossa Shiraz. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a huge bouquet of white flowers, toast, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and creosote. Packed with intensely concentrated black fruits and a spicy complexity, it is the antithesis of elegance. While still an infant in terms of development, it is hard to know for sure, but I suspect it will become more civilized and elegant as it evolves, and should last for 15-20+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kalleske.aspWA 96 (10/2004): The black/purple-colored 2002 Shiraz Greenock emerges from a young vineyard planted on sandy, loamy soil. A tour de force in winemaking, it is a full-throttle, classic Barossa Shiraz that brings to mind some of Rockford’s single vineyard offerings. Great minerality intermixed with fabulous blackberry and cassis fruit and subtle background oak backed up by a sensational texture as well as a long, heady finish make for a spectacular wine that should age effortlessly for 10-15 years.WS 88 (12/2004): Smooth, polished style offers spicy, vanilla oak-scented berry and tar flavors, finishing with refinement. There's a wonderful open texture to this wine, but the level of oak might need decanting for an hour or two to tame it. Drink now through 2007. 200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kalleske.aspWA 90-92 (10/2002): The opaque purple-colored 2000 Shiraz Block 6 Amery Vineyard, while not the size of the 1998, 1999, or 2001, is no wimpish wine. The wine is harmonious and well-balanced with outstanding seamlessness. The 2000 offers up smoky creosote aromas entwined with plum, prune, and blackberry scents. Rich, chewy, soft, round, and voluptuous, with noticeable oak, it is a concentrated, delicious, full-throttle, south Australian Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: now-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KayBrothersAmeryVyds.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KayBrothersAmeryVyds.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KayBrothersAmeryVyds.aspWA 97 (10/2006): The blockbuster 2003 Shiraz Oracle, aged in 300 liter French hogsheads (50% new and 50% 1-year-old), possesses classic blackberry, graphite, and cassis notes, a full-bodied, powerful style, great definition and purity, and surprising elegance and lightness for a wine of this size and richness. Approachable now, it should age nicely for 15 or more years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kilikanoon.aspWA 92 (10/2004): The finest offering in this portfolio is the 2002 Shiraz Freedom. Fashioned from yields of 1.5 tons of fruit per acre from a head-pruned Shiraz vineyard planted in 1844 (believed to be the oldest Shiraz producing vineyard in Australia), it spent 24 months in 90% French and 10% American oak. A dense ruby/purple color is followed by a rich, sumptuous perfume of blackberries, asphalt, pepper, earth, and a touch of truffles. Full-bodied, with great intensity, a big, chewy mouthfeel, and a large, nearly oversized finish, this spectacular 2002 possesses 14.5% alcohol. It should drink well for 15+ years.WS 90 (3/2005): Bright and juicy, with explosive currant, cherry and sweet spice flavors that never get too gooey or heavy. Finishes with power but also a modicum of refinement, with well-integrated tannins. Drink now through 2015. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Langmeil.aspWA 90 (10/2002): The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series is a compelling offering. It exhibits the elegance, restraint, European-like, measured character of the Leeuwin Estate offerings, but more dense cassis fruit. With outstanding purity as well as ripe black currant fruit, spice box, cedar, and a hint of licorice, it is a long, ripe, dense, classic Cabernet to drink over the next 12-15 years.WS 87 (9/2002): Dense and chewy, a dark, brooding red with smoky, earthy notes around a core of black cherry and licorice flavors. Best after 2004. 500 cases imported. IWC 87 (8/2002): Full bright red. Herbal, smoky aromas of pencil shavings, small black and red berries and bell pepper, complicated by hints of mint and menthol, a whiff of barnyard and assertive cedary oak. Smooth, polished and elegant, but also robust and firmly structured. Slightly meaty small berry and plum flavors are propped up by first-rate new oak, but this bottle comes across as too herbal and wild for a higher rating.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LeeuwinEstate.aspWA 90 (10/2002): The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series is a compelling offering. It exhibits the elegance, restraint, European-like, measured character of the Leeuwin Estate offerings, but more dense cassis fruit. With outstanding purity as well as ripe black currant fruit, spice box, cedar, and a hint of licorice, it is a long, ripe, dense, classic Cabernet to drink over the next 12-15 years.WS 87 (9/2002): Dense and chewy, a dark, brooding red with smoky, earthy notes around a core of black cherry and licorice flavors. Best after 2004. 500 cases imported. IWC 87 (8/2002): Full bright red. Herbal, smoky aromas of pencil shavings, small black and red berries and bell pepper, complicated by hints of mint and menthol, a whiff of barnyard and assertive cedary oak. Smooth, polished and elegant, but also robust and firmly structured. Slightly meaty small berry and plum flavors are propped up by first-rate new oak, but this bottle comes across as too herbal and wild for a higher rating.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LeeuwinEstate.aspWS 98 (9/2004): Seamless, harmonious and seductive, its gorgeous cascade of pear, pineapple, guava, nectarine and subtle spice aromas and flavors flowing across the palate like a babbling brook in a Japanese garden. Amazingly refined and built to last, but it feels utterly complete already. The finish just sails on and on. Drink now through 2020. 4,500 cases made.IWC 92+ (8/2004): Fresh, aromatic nose combines grapefruit, flowers and clove; more precise than the 2000. Juicy and bright in the mouth; more youthful and gripping than the 2000, if not quite as harmonious today. But this structured, very long, minerally chardonnay ultimately possesses richer fruit. Incidentally, owner Dennis Horgan told me that his greatest vintages of the past couple of decades for his world-class Art Series chardonnay have been '97, '95 and '87.WA 91 (10/2004): The 2001 Chardonnay Art Series does not quite measure up to its brilliant 2000 counterpart (one of the finest Australian Chardonnays I have ever tasted), but it is an impressively endowed, medium to full-bodied effort offering aromas and flavors of honeysuckle, orange marmalade, pears, and background oak. This elegant, layered Chardonnay is buttressed by well-integrated acidity. It should drink well for 5-6 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LeeuwinEstate.aspWA 96 (2/2000): In short, this wine is sensational. It emerges from what appears to be a spectacular vintage for old vine Shiraz.The tell-tale bacon fat, pepper, smoke, and blackberry/melted asphalt aromas and flavors can only come from ultra-concentrated, volputuously-textured Shiraz from Australia. Super-powerful, full-bodied, and excitingly pure, this is an unreal wine to drink over the next 15-20 years. IWC 90+ (8/2000): Bright medium ruby. Very primary aromas of crystallized berries and lead pencil. Bright, youthfully tight and very intensely flavored; vibrant acidity gives the dark berry and mint flavors sharp definition. Finishes firmly tannic and quite long, with a late note of dark chocolate.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LengsCooter.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DeLisio.aspWA 96 (10/2005): The profound 2004 Shiraz was cropped at a measly .5 tons of fruit per acre, and aged almost entirely in new French oak. It is a killer wine in a killer line-up from De Lisio in 2004. Dense blue/purple to the rim, this highly extracted (but not overly extracted) effort reveals notes of crushed rocks, blueberries, blackberries, camphor, lead pencil shavings, and spicy oak. Boasting great purity, a full-bodied, opulent texture, huge richness, but no sense of pruniness or flabbiness given its precision and refreshing structure, this is a well-balanced, potentially complex McLaren Vale blockbuster. It should drink well for 15+ years._x000D__x000D__x000D_IWC 91 (8/2005): Deep medium red with some inky highlights. Red fruits and cocoa powder on the slightly roasted nose. Juicy flavors of black plum and raspberry are complicated by a slightly saline mineral note coming from the highly volcanic soil. Finishes with serious, firm tannins. _x000D_ WS 91 (7/2006): Bright and opulent with Indian spices, blackberry and currant. Full-bodied, chewy and voluptuous. Impressive, juicy wine. Best after 2006. 1,030 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DeLisio.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Majella.aspWA 93 (10/2002): The opaque purple-colored 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon S2 (100% Cabernet) was barrel-fermented in 100% new oak and aged in a combination of French and American barrels. It exhibits a spicy perfume of vanilla, black currants, sweet cherries, licorice, and cedar. Dense, opulent, expansive, and full-bodied, it is surprisingly fresh and well-delineated. I re-tasted this wine after it had been opened for 24 hours and double decanted, and it revealed sweeter tannin as well as greater fruit intensity, an attribute that should serve these wines well in their aging process. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2017.WS 90 (5/2003): Ripe, round and generous with its raspberry and cherry flavors, shaded with all kinds of floral, peppery grace notes, wrapped in a layer of creamy oak, all of it echoing impressively on the well-formed finish. Best after 2004. 3,280 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MarquisPhilips.aspWA 99 (10/2006): Amazingly, the 2005 Carnival of Love ratchets up the level of quality. A selection of the finest Shiraz barrels, it boasts an extraordinary black/purple color, gorgeous notes of blackberry liqueur, camphor, and smoke, and an enormous voluptuousness that would make even Pamela Anderson jealous. Great purity, symmetry, and harmony as well as remarkable balance for such a rich, intense wine, as it sat in the glass espresso, vanillin, white chocolate, and additional black fruits also emerged. It should drink well for a decade, although the winemakers suggest it be consumed over the next four years. If you are wondering what to serve with this beauty, Sarah and Sparky Marquis recommend such fish as marlin, hammerhead, and great white shark, white meats such as snake and crocodile, red meats such as emu and kangaroo, and aged wallaby mild cheese. Yum!http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.aspWS 95 (9/2007) A stunning wine of immense depth and integrity. Seamless from start to finish, this starts off strong and keeps building through the long, powerful finish. The flavors center on blueberry, plum, meaty cherry, cedar and cream, with a hint of mint, and the tannins are so finely polished they gleam. Drink now through 2020. 4,738 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.aspWS 95 (9/2007) A stunning wine of immense depth and integrity. Seamless from start to finish, this starts off strong and keeps building through the long, powerful finish. The flavors center on blueberry, plum, meaty cherry, cedar and cream, with a hint of mint, and the tannins are so finely polished they gleam. Drink now through 2020. 4,738 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.aspWS 93 (9/2007) Supple in texture and deftly balanced despite its size, this is a big wine that dances smoothly on the palate, while showing off its rich cherry, blueberry and sweet spice flavors. The parts melt together seamlessly as the finish rolls on and on. Drink now through 2016. 3,279 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.aspWA 99 (10/2007): The 2006 Shiraz “The Velvet Glove” has an awesome nose bordering on ethereal. Aromas of smoke, violets, grilled meat, game, saddle leather, blueberry and chocolate leap from the glass. This full-bodied wine is packed and dense, layered with ripe black fruits, has superb delineation, great focus, and a super-long finish. It is still tightly wound and will benefit from a decade in the cellar. This hedonistic behemoth will drink well through 2040._x000D__x000D_WS 97 (9/2007) Rich, ripe and harmoniously balanced, this is dense with blackberry, plum, licorice, cream and spice flavors that don't quit as the finish sails on and on. Has tremendous presence, yet remains supple through the expressive finish. Drink now through 2020. 3,352 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.aspWA 98 (2/2009): Composing its own category both qualitatively and in price, the 2007 Velvet Glove Shiraz was aged in 100% new American oak. It presents a brooding bouquet of violet/lavender, garrigue notes, espresso, blueberry, blackberry liqueur, and chocolate. Voluptuous and sexy on the palate, this totally hedonistic effort has plenty of structure and a 60+ second finish. It will be difficult to keep one’s hands off this beauty but it will drink well through 2027 for those who can withstand the seduction.WS 96 (10/2008): Lithe, generous and beautifully proportioned, offering a seamless array of dark plum, blueberry and sandalwood flavors wrapped in a veil of fine-grained tannins. Finishes with an intriguing face-off of sweet fruit and spice that keeps on for quite a while. Best from 2011 through 2019. 1,020 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mollydooker.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MountLangiGhiran.aspIWC 90 (8/2000): Good bright deep red. Gamey raspberry, tobacco and dark chocolate aromas. Penetrating, intense flavors of red berries, tobacco and minerals. Brisk acidity gives the wine clarity and grip. Tannins are quite firm but not hard. A rather restrained, Medoc-like style of Australian red wine.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MountMaryVineyard.aspIWC 96 (8/2002): Very deep, dark red. Opulent, heady aromas of cassis, chocolate, cedar, violet vanilla. Elegant and fine, yet with a surprisingly powerful palate of intense small berry fruits tightly wound around fine-grained tannins. Smooth, silky, classy and complete; suggests a fine Margaux. Keep it.WS 88 (12/2003): Light, polished, elegant with dark berry and herb flavors mingling enticingly on a delicate frame, echoing nicely on the long finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2007. 50 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MountMaryVineyard.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Nashwauk.aspWS 91 (7/2002): Fascinating aromas of fresh mushrooms and plums. Full-bodied, with round, soft tannins and a long, superripe finish. A beauty. Best after 2003. 2,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NinoNegri.aspWA 92 (10/2002): The 2000 Eclipse (a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Shiraz, aged in large American barrels, and bottled unfiltered) is stunning stuff. Its dense purple color is accompanied by gorgeous aromatics of blackberries, super-ripe black cherries, and hints of smoke and underbrush. Like all the Noon offerings, it possesses stunning purity, a fabulous texture, and a long finish (in excess of 35 seconds). Anticipated maturity: now-2014.IWC 86 (8/2002): Deep ruby-red. Dark, spicy, intense aromas of licorice, prune, currant, ripe plum and blueberry. Then oaky and alcoholic in the mouth, with thick, chunky treacle and raisin flavors complemented by chocolate and vanilla notes. Medium to full in weight, and made in a rather porty style. Long and creamy on the finish. Seems best suited for medium-tern drinking.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NoonWinery.aspWA 99 (10/2004):Flirting with perfection, the blue/purple-colored 2002 Shiraz Reserve is a 300-case cuvee produced from 40-year-old vines that was aged in a combination of small and large oak. Along with a texture reminiscent of motor oil, this full-bodied, remarkably intense Shiraz possesses great purity and richness as well as a broad palate. As concentrated as Shiraz can get, it is also impeccably well-balanced, elegant, and bursting with personality/soul. It is the kind of wine that is hard to duplicate anywhere else in the world. It is good to see certain winemakers refuse to put the brakes on when producing something of this ilk. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2016+.IWC 87+ (8/2004): Bright, dark ruby. Blackberry aroma currently dominated by pungent oak and licorice. Highly concentrated, primary and saline, with the blackberry and licorice flavors carrying through on the palate. But this is distinctly clenched and aggressive today. Will this very tannic, persistent wine show more pliancy with bottle aging?http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NoonWinery.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NoonWinery.aspWA 93 (10/2002): The 2000 Shiraz offers up black raspberry liqueur characteristics intermixed with creme de cassis, and sweet toasty oak (2/3 French and 1/3 American oak is employed). Full-bodied, with impressive purity, a layered texture, and a 30-second finish, this marvelous wine will drink well for 5-10 years.WS 92 (12/2002): Rich in texture, opulent and offering remarkably persistent flavors, its blueberry, plum and perfumy notes rolling across a plush frame and echoing beautifully on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 350 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/OliversTarangaVineyards.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/OliversTarangaVineyards.aspWA 91 (4/1997): Penfolds' 1993 Cabernet/Shiraz Bin 389 might be one of the finest under $20 wine currently available. The wine exhibits an opaque ruby/purple color, as well as a sweet, spicy nose of black fruits, cedar, pepper, and fruitcake-like aromas. Full-bodied, fleshy, rich, long, and supple, with low acidity, this boldly-flavored wine should continue to drink well for a decade.WS 87 (4/1996): Dense in color, texture and flavor, a solid mouthful of red plum and currant notes, turning cedary and spicy on the finish. Best from 2000 through 2002.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWS 92 (10/1995): Ripe and generous, elegantly balanced and velvety. The focused currant and plum flavors are shaded by a touch of smoke and spice, the fruit persisting beautifully on the finish.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 90 (2/1998): Penfolds' most impressive Cabernet Sauvignon is the 1994 Bin 707. This murky plum-colored, blockbuster, backward, exceptionally tannic Cabernet displays abundant quantities of blackberry and cassis fruit, a heavy overlay of toasty vanillin from new oak casks, and mouthsearing levels of tannin. Although the wine is closed, it is firmly-structured and enormously-endowed in the mouth. Cellar this offering for 2-4 years, and consume it over the following 15+.IWC 88 (8/1998): Saturated ruby-red. Vibrant blackberry and blackcurrant nose shows pronounced sweet oak notes of scotch and tar. Juicy and intensely flavored, though currently a bit musclebound and not yet showing much complexity. But the tart, juicy berry flavors are fresh and nicely delineated. Finishes with dusty, slightly tongue-drying (oak?) tannins. May yet merit a higher score.WS 88 (4/1998): Bright and fruity, with a firm backbone to support the well-articulated currant and blackberry flavors. Finishes with a nice echo of fruit, but doesn't show the depth and extra dimensions we've come to expect of this wine. Approachable now. Best after 2000. 2,700 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWS 91 (6/2001): Generous in flavor, supple in texture, delivering a ripe mouthful of mint-shaded black cherry and currant flavors that linger on the open finish, echoing mint and fruit. Tannins are beautifully integrated. Best from 2005 through 2012. 15,884 cases made.IWC 91 (8/2000): Ruby-red. Vinous, captivating aromas of blackberry, wild plum, currant, roast coffee and mocha, with subtle rather than overwhelming evidence of American oak. Concentrated, harmonious and quite suave; at once velvety and nicely delineated thanks to ripe, well-integrated acidity. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins and excellent length.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWS 93 (12/2008): Firm in texture, with an open feel--a transparency--to the red berry, cherry and herb flavors. Has an aristocratic structure, with ripe tannins and a floral quality to the finish.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 17,642 cases made.WA 90 (6/2001): The outstanding 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Bin 707 is a thick, rich, full-bodied Cabernet emphasizing copious quantities of cassis fruit. Pure, with nicely integrated oak, acidity, and tannin, it cuts a broad swath across the palate. While still young and grapy, this 1998 is loaded with potential. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 94 (10/2002): The 1997 Grange (a blend of 96% Shiraz and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon) looks to be a classic Grange, although slightly softer and more forward than the backward 1996. The saturated purple-colored 1997 offers a gorgeously sweet nose of blackberry liqueur, cherries, camphor, chocolate, plums, and mocha. The wine is opulently-textured, extremely soft, layered, and seductive, with Grange's tell-tale personality well-displayed, but in a seamless, seductive style. This is a superb Grange that can hold its own against the more heralded 1996. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2022.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 94+ (6/2009): The least impressive, but still a very great wine, is the dark garnet-hued 1980. Still a young wine at age 29, it exhibits massive earthy, meaty, bacon fat notes intermixed with notions of scorched earth, blackberries, currants, pepper, and spice. Full and rich with slightly rustic tannins, it has a good 20 years of life ahead of it.WS 93 (1/1997): Rich, sweet and silky, delivering a lovely mouthful of lush fruit flavors, centering around currant and plum, with hints of licorice and leather at the edges. Expands and deepens on the finish. Approachable now, but should continue to improve for years.--Penfolds Grange vertical.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 90 (2/2002): A light, elegant style of Grange made with a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine has a deep ruby/purple color and a spicy, peppery nose with some new oak, black cherry, and blackberry flavors. The wine shows some dry tannin in the finish that may ultimately prove worrisome given the less-than-massive style of this vintage. Nevertheless, there is still a lot to like in this wine, which is very pure, ripe, and medium to full-bodied. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWS 92 (11/2001): Rich, ripe and generous, a deep-pile carpet of blackberry, cherry, anise and white pepper flavors that linger on the polished finish. Appealing already. Best from 2003 through 2010. 4,392 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2001): Bright medium ruby. Sexy, complex nose features dark berries, black cherry, roasted coffee, chicory and smoky, spicy oak. Lush and concentrated, with pliant but juicy flavors of cherry and berries; some tar and herbaceous notes emerged with extended aeration. Finishes long and bright, with firm, fine tannins and substantial oakiness.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspIWC 95 (8/2002): Very dense purple-red color. Heady, fragrant, deeply spicy aromas of musky, brambly dark berries and plum complemented but not overwhelmed by oak tones of chocolate and smoked oyster. Really saturated with dark fruit flavor, with the wine fruit perfectly supported by suave new French oak and fine, astringent tannins. Exceptionally long on the finish. As supple and harmonious as it is opulent and assertive. Another step in the ongoing evolution of Barossa shiraz.WS 94 (8/2002): Lithe and appealing for its range of flavors, this fascinating wine has dark plum and berry at the core and mint, leather, peach-fuzz and exotic spice notes sneaking in around the edges. Texture is firm but not overly so. It all adds up to an aristocratic red, as the flavors sail on and on. Drink now through 2010. 3,500 cases made.WA 87 (10/2002): The elegantly-styled, restrained 1999 Shiraz RWT is an elegant example of a Barossa Shiraz. Its dense ruby/purple color is followed by a medium-bodied wine offering up floral, raspberry, cherry, and currant aromas nicely dosed with subtle wood. Enjoy this pure, refreshing 1999 over the next decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 95-97 (4/2003): The 2002 Shiraz Footprint has more of everything in addition to surprising structure, massive fruit concentration, and remarkable natural acidity. Aged in French oak (80% new), it may be the finest offering I have ever tasted from Penny’s Hill. A wine of enormous richness, this inky/blue/purple-colored Shiraz offers up aromas of ink, graphite, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and white flowers. Dense and full-bodied, with great purity as well as length, it will provide immense pleasure during its first 15 years of life.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PennysHill.aspWA 94-96 (8/2003): Aged in 80% French oak and 20% American (of which 60% is new), this barrel sample (to be bottled in November) was immensely impressive. There will be 400 cases of this dense inky/purple-colored Shiraz. It offers a gorgeous nose of licorice, melted road tar, blackberry liqueur, and sweet black currants. There is dazzling palate persistence, tremendous texture, and full body, but the wine is neither heavy nor out of balance. The finish lasts for 45+ seconds. With thrilling density and richness yet good equilibrium, it will drink well for 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MrRiggs.aspWA 94-96 (8/2003): Aged in 80% French oak and 20% American (of which 60% is new), this barrel sample (to be bottled in November) was immensely impressive. There will be 400 cases of this dense inky/purple-colored Shiraz. It offers a gorgeous nose of licorice, melted road tar, blackberry liqueur, and sweet black currants. There is dazzling palate persistence, tremendous texture, and full body, but the wine is neither heavy nor out of balance. The finish lasts for 45+ seconds. With thrilling density and richness yet good equilibrium, it will drink well for 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MrRiggs.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RosemountEstate.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RosemountEstate.aspWA 97 (10/2004): The estate’s prodigious flagship offering is the 2001 Shiraz Black Guts. Made from 35- to 40-year-old vines, and aged 30 months in a combination of new and old French oak and a bit of new American wood, it boasts a blue/black color as well as a fabulous bouquet of smoke, creosote, Asian spices, white flowers, and blackberry liqueur. Dense, full-bodied, and voluptuous, with fabulous precision, good acidity, magnificent concentration, and a fabulous finish, this is the kind of wine that only a handful of South Australia vineyards can consistently achieve. There is virtually nothing like it produced anywhere else in the world. It should drink well for 15+ years.IWC 87 (8/2004): (aged for 30 months in American oak) Ruby-red. Aromas of roasted meat and oak, with a lurking note of asparagus. Supersweet, thick and concentrated, with gamey, truffley flavors showing a distinct asparagus vegetility. Impressively long and quite oaky on the back. An extreme style of shiraz : I find this style of shiraz more tiring to drink than the less expensive bottlings from this producer.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Rusden.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/SandalfordWines.aspWA 96 (8/2003): There are about 500 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged in both American and French wood (one-half new). The Screaming Eagle of South Australia, it possesses great purity, layers of fruit, enormous volume and intensity, and at the same time, it is strikingly elegant and well-proportioned. This stunningly pure Cabernet tastes like pure creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and oak. It should drink well for 15-16 years, but who will be able to hold onto it that long?http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Shirvington.aspWA 96 (8/2003): There are about 500 cases of the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, which was aged in both American and French wood (one-half new). The Screaming Eagle of South Australia, it possesses great purity, layers of fruit, enormous volume and intensity, and at the same time, it is strikingly elegant and well-proportioned. This stunningly pure Cabernet tastes like pure creme de cassis intermixed with licorice and oak. It should drink well for 15-16 years, but who will be able to hold onto it that long?http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Shirvington.aspWS 88 (3/2000): Ripe and dense, redolent of black cherry, mineral and anise that ooze through the finish. Has a distinctive range of flavors, including a menthol note on the supple finish. Drink now through 2006. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Stonehaven.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChTahbilk.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChTahbilk.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TempleBruer.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DomTerlatoChapoutier.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Thalgara.aspWA 94 (6/2003): The Shotfire Ridge cuvee is awesome. For readers who want something big, there are 6,000 cases of the lavish 2002 Shiraz Shotfire Ridge. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as a big, sweet, smoky, peppery, blackberry liqueur-scented nose followed by bold flavors of roasted meats, dried herbs, scorched earth, and spice. An incredible value, with huge body and massive fruit as well as glycerin, it is almost too good to be true. But it is! Drink it over the next decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Thorn-Clarke.aspWS 93 (7/2003): Rich, ripe and distinctive, not at all heavy but gloriously expressive, playing out its generous blackberry, cherry and plum fruit on a deftly balanced frame, all of it echoing along with hints of sweet spice and cream on the long finish. Shiraz, with 8 percent Viognier. Drink now through 2015. 800 cases made._x000D__x000D_IWC 90 (8/2003): Full red-ruby color. Fragrant, wild and exotic, with distinctive viognier-scented aromas of apricot and peach blossom over spicy white pepper, cassis and raspberry. Silky, velvety and long, bursting with briary black fruits. Its sumptuous and fleshy mid-palate culminates in a lingering, savory, earthy finish of concentration and balance. _x000D__x000D_WA 89 (8/2003): Aged in used French oak casks for 18 months prior to being bottled unfiltered, the 2001 Descendant is a 1,000 case blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier cropped at approximately 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. This spectacular Australian red offers an aromatic smorgasbord of honeysuckle intermixed with blackberry and creme de cassis liqueurs, licorice, coffee, and spice. There is fabulous fruit purity, tremendous intensity, and great balance with flavor, power, and elegance all combined into a riveting example of Barossa Valley wine. It should drink well for 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWS 93 (7/2003): Rich, ripe and distinctive, not at all heavy but gloriously expressive, playing out its generous blackberry, cherry and plum fruit on a deftly balanced frame, all of it echoing along with hints of sweet spice and cream on the long finish. Shiraz, with 8 percent Viognier. Drink now through 2015. 800 cases made._x000D__x000D_IWC 90 (8/2003): Full red-ruby color. Fragrant, wild and exotic, with distinctive viognier-scented aromas of apricot and peach blossom over spicy white pepper, cassis and raspberry. Silky, velvety and long, bursting with briary black fruits. Its sumptuous and fleshy mid-palate culminates in a lingering, savory, earthy finish of concentration and balance. _x000D__x000D_WA 89 (8/2003): Aged in used French oak casks for 18 months prior to being bottled unfiltered, the 2001 Descendant is a 1,000 case blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier cropped at approximately 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. This spectacular Australian red offers an aromatic smorgasbord of honeysuckle intermixed with blackberry and creme de cassis liqueurs, licorice, coffee, and spice. There is fabulous fruit purity, tremendous intensity, and great balance with flavor, power, and elegance all combined into a riveting example of Barossa Valley wine. It should drink well for 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspIWC 87 (8/2007): Medium red. Spicy redcurrant and strawberry aromas are lightly kissed by a hint of cracked pepper. Lithe, bright and straightforward, perhaps a tad simple, with crisp red berry flavors, light tannins and building sweetness on the finish. Serve this light, fruity wine with a slight chill.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (6/2001): David Powell's most expensive red wine is undoubtedly the 1998 Run Rig. However, it is not out of line with what wines of similar quality sell for throughout the world, unfortunately a reality. There are nearly 600 cases of the 1998 Run Rig, which is made from vines averaging between 50 and 130 years of age. It is a blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier, aged completely in French oak for approximately 18 months prior to bottling. The 1998 may well be the most concentrated Run Rig to date. The color is an opaque purple, and the bouquet offers an exotic concoction of tropical fruit, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, smoke, and honeysuckle notes. Once past the exhilarating fragrance, the wine is sumptuous and full-bodied, with a skyscraper-like profile of fabulous concentration and length that builds in the mouth. The black fruits galore scenario unfolds to reveal beautifully integrated wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol (a mere 14.5%). The balance is virtually perfect, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. This luxurious, compelling gem displays a level of complexity and delineation that is rare in a wine of such size. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.IWC 95+ (8/2001): Saturated dark ruby to the rim. Flamboyantly nuanced nose combines cassis, black raspberry, peat, bitter chocolate, baking spices and suggestions of exotic fruits. Silky and glyceral in the mouth but with a firm spine of acidity giving the wine freshness and structure. Very complex flavors of crystallized berries, violet and game are lifted by the wine 3% viognier component. Truly coats the entire palate, with the thoroughly ripe tannins spreading out horizontally and the superripe but fresh fruit and floral flavors going on and on. An extraordinary shiraz that appears to be built to age.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (6/2001): David Powell's most expensive red wine is undoubtedly the 1998 Run Rig. However, it is not out of line with what wines of similar quality sell for throughout the world, unfortunately a reality. There are nearly 600 cases of the 1998 Run Rig, which is made from vines averaging between 50 and 130 years of age. It is a blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier, aged completely in French oak for approximately 18 months prior to bottling. The 1998 may well be the most concentrated Run Rig to date. The color is an opaque purple, and the bouquet offers an exotic concoction of tropical fruit, blackberry liqueur, creme de cassis, smoke, and honeysuckle notes. Once past the exhilarating fragrance, the wine is sumptuous and full-bodied, with a skyscraper-like profile of fabulous concentration and length that builds in the mouth. The black fruits galore scenario unfolds to reveal beautifully integrated wood, acidity, tannin, and alcohol (a mere 14.5%). The balance is virtually perfect, and the finish lasts for nearly a minute. This luxurious, compelling gem displays a level of complexity and delineation that is rare in a wine of such size. Anticipated maturity: now-2016.IWC 95+ (8/2001): Saturated dark ruby to the rim. Flamboyantly nuanced nose combines cassis, black raspberry, peat, bitter chocolate, baking spices and suggestions of exotic fruits. Silky and glyceral in the mouth but with a firm spine of acidity giving the wine freshness and structure. Very complex flavors of crystallized berries, violet and game are lifted by the wine 3% viognier component. Truly coats the entire palate, with the thoroughly ripe tannins spreading out horizontally and the superripe but fresh fruit and floral flavors going on and on. An extraordinary shiraz that appears to be built to age.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 97 (10/2002): There are 800 cases of the 1999 Run Rig, an unfined/unfiltered beauty of remarkable concentration and intensity. This Shiraz cuvee spends 30 months in 100% new French oak, and approximately 3% Viognier is added to the blend just prior to bottling (in contrast to The Descendent, in which 8% Viognier is co-fermented with the Shiraz). The Run Rig is a structured, muscular effort with phenomenal density, dry vintage Port-like concentration, and magnificent notes of smoke, blackberries, cassis, leather, and coffee. A hint of Viognier's sweet marmalade character comes through as the wine sits in the glass. This majestic Shiraz, one of the greatest wines made in the New World, should be cellared for 5-6 years, and drunk over the following 2-3 decades.IWC 93+ (8/2002): Dense red-purple color. Heady, highly concentrated peppery aroma steeped in dense, dark plum and cassis and backed by assertive yet harmonious oak notes of cedar, chocolate and vanilla. Robust and very concentrated yet finely tuned; dripping with layered, juicy, essence-like dark shiraz fruits and wrapped in velvety but firm tannins. Shows a polished but perhaps slightly raw influence of new oak.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2004): Constantly flirting with perfection, the 2001 Run Rig is a worthy successor to the blockbuster, surreal 1998. A blend of 97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier, this is Torbreck’s flagship offering. Sadly, there are only 1,500 cases produced. Sourced from old vines, some close to 140 years of age, it is fashioned from four sectors of Barossa – Marananga, Koonunga Hill, Moppa, and Greenock. It spends 30 months in 60% new French oak before being bottled without fining or filtration. The powerful, full-bodied 2001 exhibits aromas of creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, ink, espresso, graphite, and apricot marmalade. The impression on the palate is one of marvelous richness, expansive texture, a multi-layered skyscraper soaring across the palate with no heaviness. It is a tour de force in winemaking, but give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 15-20+ years.IWC 93 (8/2004): Full medium ruby. Aromatic nose combines black raspberry, cassis, chocolate, pipe tobacco, flowers and fruitcake. Huge, thick and dense, with superripe yet bright flavors of crushed berries complicated by a saline quality. Superconcentrated shiraz with terrific depth and sweetness of flavor. Finishes with sweet tannins and superb persistence. A very impressive shiraz that's kept fresh by a piquant note of cranberry. Particularly strong in the context of the vintage.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2005): The 2002 Run Rig (97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier aged in 100% new French oak) represents the essence of old vine Barossa fruit. Extraordinarily opulent and rich, but playing it closer to the vest than the 2001, it gets my nod as one of the most remarkable wines made in either the Southern or Northern Hemisphere. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of apricots, honeysuckle, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of roasted meats. The wood has been soaked up by the wine’s extraordinary concentration. Fashioned from four sectors of Barossa (Maranaga, Koonunga Hill, Moppa, and Greenock), it spent 30 months in primarily new oak, and was bottled without fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2005): The 2002 Run Rig (97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier aged in 100% new French oak) represents the essence of old vine Barossa fruit. Extraordinarily opulent and rich, but playing it closer to the vest than the 2001, it gets my nod as one of the most remarkable wines made in either the Southern or Northern Hemisphere. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of apricots, honeysuckle, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of roasted meats. The wood has been soaked up by the wine’s extraordinary concentration. Fashioned from four sectors of Barossa (Maranaga, Koonunga Hill, Moppa, and Greenock), it spent 30 months in primarily new oak, and was bottled without fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2005): The 2002 Run Rig (97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier aged in 100% new French oak) represents the essence of old vine Barossa fruit. Extraordinarily opulent and rich, but playing it closer to the vest than the 2001, it gets my nod as one of the most remarkable wines made in either the Southern or Northern Hemisphere. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of apricots, honeysuckle, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of roasted meats. The wood has been soaked up by the wine’s extraordinary concentration. Fashioned from four sectors of Barossa (Maranaga, Koonunga Hill, Moppa, and Greenock), it spent 30 months in primarily new oak, and was bottled without fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2005): The 2002 Run Rig (97% Shiraz and 3% Viognier aged in 100% new French oak) represents the essence of old vine Barossa fruit. Extraordinarily opulent and rich, but playing it closer to the vest than the 2001, it gets my nod as one of the most remarkable wines made in either the Southern or Northern Hemisphere. An inky/purple color is accompanied by a sumptuous bouquet of apricots, honeysuckle, black raspberries, blackberries, licorice, and a hint of roasted meats. The wood has been soaked up by the wine’s extraordinary concentration. Fashioned from four sectors of Barossa (Maranaga, Koonunga Hill, Moppa, and Greenock), it spent 30 months in primarily new oak, and was bottled without fining or filtration. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99+ (10/2007): The flagship 2004 Run Rig is 96.5% Shiraz and 3.5% Viognier with the Shiraz component aged for 30 months in a mixture of new and used French oak. Yields were a minuscule 14 hl/ha (about 1 ton per acre). Saturated opaque purple/black, it has a remarkably kinky, exotic perfume of fresh asphalt, pencil lead, smoke, pepper, game, blueberry and black raspberry. Full-bodied and voluptuous in the mouth, the wine is dense and packed, with amazing purity, sweet tannins, and a complex collection of sensory stimuli. The wine demands 10 years of cellaring and will provide hedonistic delights through 2035+.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 98 (10/2004): The 100% Shiraz offering, the exquisite 2001 The Factor, aged 24 months in French oak (30% new), possesses a roasted, Cote Rotie character than its Shiraz siblings. Blackberry, blueberry, espresso roast, smoke, and a roasted component are found in this intense, rich effort along with considerable structure, fabulous density, and a broad, deep, profound palate.WS 97 (9/2004): A big wine with an extraordinary sense of elegance, positively glowing with gorgeous blueberry, plum and white pepper flavors that skim across the palate like a sailboat in a perfect wind. Hints of mineral and spice weave through the long, long finish. Classic stuff. Drink now through 2015. 800 cases made.IWC 90+ (8/2004): (100% shiraz). Bright medium ruby. Dark raspberry, plum, fruitcake, tar and molasses on the nose. Juicy, tightly wound and very firmly built; the dark berry and fruitcake fla vors began a bit ungiving but showed increasing sweetness in the glass. Finishes firm and quite fresh, with impressive nutty persistence.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 99 (10/2004): Remarkably, the 2002 The Factor may be even more awesome than the 2001. It boasts a blackberry liqueur-like intensity with chocolatey richness intermixed with blackberries, raspberries, and cherries. The unctuous texture, refreshing acidity, and sweet tannin frame-up this magnificent wine. It should drink well for 15+ years. Interestingly, the 2002 The Factor did not have the Cote Rotie-like roasted element found in the 2001, no doubt because 2002 was a much cooler growing year than the record heat experienced in 2001.IWC 93 (8/2005): Deep, saturated ruby-violet. Intensely aromatic, even perfumed on the nose, with aromas of kirsch, superripe blackberry, molten chocolate, rose oil and violet. Concentrated, fat and unctuous, showing sweet flavors of raspberry and blackberry confit, smoked bacon, molasses, fruitcake and candied orange peel. Finishes with excellent lift and defining acidity for a wine of such ripeness and power. WS 83 (12/2005): A strong earthy flavor runs through the otherwise generous fruit character. Finishes firm. Not as generous, pure and complete as other vintages. Shiraz. Best after 2007. 900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 95 (10/2004): Eden Valley’s dense blue/purple-hued 2002 Shiraz Deer in the Headlights is sensational. A spectacular nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, vanilla beans, and espresso is accompanied by a massive yet remarkably elegant Shiraz with tremendous precision and oodles of fruit and glycerin. Stunningly proportioned, fresh, and lively for its size, it reveals the potential to drink well young, yet evolve for a decade or more.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TwoHands.aspWA 93 (4/1999): The spectacular, opaque purple-colored 1997 Springflat Shiraz is unevolved, but possesses great intensity and promise. Tasting akin to a barrel sample with its flashy display of youthful cassis and blackberry fruit, this thick, rich offering possesses definition that is rare in a wine of such size and extract. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2018.IWC 91 (8/1999): Bright, saturated ruby. Sauvage aromas of cassis, black raspberry, roasted meat, minerals, lead pencil and smoke. Big, sweet and very concentrated; has the structure to age but already offers significant appeal. The ripe tannins are thoroughly covered by berry fruit.WS 89 (6/2000): A picture of elegance. From the fresh and pure violet, raspberry and dark chocolate aromas and flavors and lithe framework to the lingering finish, this Shiraz shows a restrained style for Australia. Drink now through 2003. 450 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/WildDuckCreek.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/WoodPark.aspWA 95 (6/2001): The spectacular 1996 Shiraz Old Vine The Octavius is a basket-pressed Shiraz possessing huge power as well as massive, oozing, cedar and glycerin-imbued blackberry and cassis aromas and flavors. This superb effort is one of the great Old Vine Shiraz cuvees available in the marketplace. It should drink well for up to two decades.WS 92 (12/2000): Ripe and exotic, a cascade of subtle flavors winding through a plump core of black cherry, berry and anise flavors, with toasty cardamom, pepper and slightly gamy notes hovering around the fine-grained tannins on the finish. Delicious already. Best after 2005. 70 cases imported.IWC 91 (8/2000): Good saturated ruby. Blackberry, cassis, lead pencil and smoky oak on the expressive nose. Highly concentrated and mouthfilling, with vibrant, primary flavors of cassis, espresso, bitter chocolate and oak. Finishes very long and ripely tannic, with strong torrefaction notes and a firming mineral influence. Tangy and harmonious shiraz. Also tasted: 1999 The Virgilius Barossa.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWA 91 (10/2002): The dense purple-colored 1997 Shiraz Octavius reveals a classic Barossa Shiraz perfume of creamy oak intermixed with blackberry liqueur, pepper, and meat. Opulent, full-bodied, fleshy, and chewy, this youthful 1997 is soft enough to be drunk, but should be at its peak between 2005-2015.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWA 96 (8/2003): Made from 100% Shiraz, the massive, full-bodied 1999 Octavius continues the succession of profound efforts from Yalumba. Tremendously rich, intense, and multidimensional, it offers up notes of blackberries, sweet smoke, and melted asphalt. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.WS 86 (12/2003): A green, almost vegetal note runs through otherwise ripe, spicy flavors, offering cherry and pepper character, remaining fleshy through the finish. Drink now through 2007. 75 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWA 96 (8/2003): Made from 100% Shiraz, the massive, full-bodied 1999 Octavius continues the succession of profound efforts from Yalumba. Tremendously rich, intense, and multidimensional, it offers up notes of blackberries, sweet smoke, and melted asphalt. Anticipated maturity: 2005-2025.WS 86 (12/2003): A green, almost vegetal note runs through otherwise ripe, spicy flavors, offering cherry and pepper character, remaining fleshy through the finish. Drink now through 2007. 75 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWS 88 (12/2000): Lean, lithe and focused, with a tart, peppery edge to currant and distinctly herbal flavors, echoing sage and mint on the moderately tannic finish. Best from 2004 through 2010. 253 cases imported. IWC 86 (8/2000): Ruby-red. Somewhat alcoholic aromas of blackberry, bitter cherry, coffee grounds, fruitcake and menthol. Fat, rich and a bit one-dimensional, with a flavor of sweet currant and some heat. The alcohol carries through to the finish, which also shows a slight green note.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspIWC 89+ (8/2001): Bright ruby-red. Pungent, tangy aromas of black raspberry, cherry, spicecake, mint and fresh tobacco. Juicy and fresh in the mouth but still quite tightly wound and not yet showing its flesh. Subtle notes of tobacco, loam and fresh herbs. Very youthfully unevolved cabernet, with firm tannins and sneaky persistence.WA 89 (10/2002): From a vineyard planted in 1975 on Coonawarra's famous red soils (terra rosa), the powerful (14.5% alcohol) 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Menzies is a distinctive, singular style of Cabernet offering a dense ruby/purple color as well as earthy, plum, and cassis aromas and flavors, medium to full body, plenty of texture, and sweet tannin. It can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. WS 89 (5/2002): Crisp in texture, with a bright beam of currant and plum fruit shining through a layer of firm tannins, picking up hints of pepper and herb as the lively finish does a diminuendo. Drink now through 2007. 6,900 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWA 91 (6/2001): One of Yalumba's top cuvees is their Cabernet/Shiraz blend called The Signature. Creamy American oak aromas cascade from the dense purple-colored, superb 1996. However, in the mouth, the oak is completely absorbed by the wine's meaty, smoky, blackberry and cassis flavors. As it sits in the glass, notes of melted asphalt, dried Provencal herbs, and additional jammy red and black fruits emerge. Full-bodied and lush, it should drink well for at least 10-12 years. WS 91 (12/2000): Ripe, round style offers luscious berry and anise flavors from the Shiraz to frame the distinct currant and cedar notes of the Cabernet. Stylish, generous and worth cellaring. Drink now through 2011. 498 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.aspWA 91 (10/2002): A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon and 49% Shiraz, the 1998 The Signature is more forward and exuberant than the 1996 The Reserve. While not as dense, tannic, or powerful as the latter wine, it is beautifully made, displaying a deep ruby/purple color in addition to a sweet perfume of smoky blackberry fruit and spice, soft tannin, and a long, heady finish. In spite of its sweetness, richness, and forwardness, it has considerable structure underlying all the fat. Anticipated maturity: now-2012 WS 89 (12/2002): Refined, aristocratic red offers tightly focused layers of currant, berry, herb and anise, which pick up a sweet-spice note on the long, firm-textured finish. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz. Best from 2005 through 2010. 240 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Yalumba.asp