Australia wines in the Flickinger Fine Wines inventory http://www.flickingerwines.com/wineregions/australian.asp WS 91 (3/1999): Ripe, rich and exotic, here's a big mouthful of anise- and pepper-scented black fruit flavors; a gooey wine with layers of character that last nicely on the finish. Firm tannins can use cellaring. Best from 2000 through 2005. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BarossaValleyEstate.aspWA 99 (10/2004): Amazingly, the 2002 Shiraz The Armagh is even better than the McRae Wood. This cuvee is aged 14 months in both French and American oak, and is bottled without filtration. The inky/purple-colored 2002 The Armagh boasts notes of scorched earth, chocolate, leather, blackberries, and cassis. Its huge body, marvelous integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol, and stunning finish of 60+ seconds are impressive. While accessible, it will be even better with 1-2 more years of bottle age, and should evolve for 12-15+.IWC 94 (10/2005): Inky dark ruby. Powerful, pungent scents of creme de mure, boysenberry syrup, dark chocolate, sweet mocha and violet face powder. Thick and mouthfilling, with dense, concentrated flavors of dark berry, Cuban coffee (including the flaming orange peel) and molten chocolate. The tannins on the finish are firm but buffered beautifully by the ripe fruit. This chewy, ultrasweet, superconcentrated shiraz was one of the densest, most powerful wines of my recent tastings.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.aspIWC 91 (8/2002): Full, deep dark red. Earthy, musky aromas of cassis, plum and red cherry and black and white pepper, scented with clove and bay leaf; restrained vanilla and chocolate oak tones in the background. Willowy, supple and understated, the palate presenting vibrant, ripe small berry flavors wrapped in smooth oak and tightly knit about a firm spine of taut tannins. Keep this for at least a decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BestsWines.aspWS 92 (5/2007): Zingy, lively and brash. A taut mouthful of lime-scented pear and mineral flavors, lingering enticingly on the long, savory finish. Best after 2008. 500 cases made.IWC 91 (8/2006): Pale gold. Intensely floral and spicy on the nose, with strong pear, blood orange and lemon zest scents. Dry and rich in extract, with mineral-tinged citrus flavors that build through the long, nervy finish. A real dirt wine, as opposed to a fruit bomb, and one to serve to Burgundy lovers.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Bindi.aspWS 91 (8/2006): Polished, open-textured and distinctive for all the floral notes spinning through the rich cherry, currant, plum and dusky spice flavors, lingering on the refreshing finish. Lavish tannins don't get in the way. Drink now through 2015. 750 cases made.IWC 91 (8/2006): Inky violet. Sexy, oak spice-driven aromas of blackberry, candied plum and violet. Broad and lush, with sweet dark fruit flavors showing impressive breadth and depth. Suave, well-knit tannins provide support. The fruit takes on a brighter red berry tone on the finish, which is crisp and well-focused but rich in flavor.WA 90 (10/2006): The 2004 Shiraz Greenock Creek Block (aged in American oak) is a dense, full-bodied, intense, old style Australian red with loads of richness as well as a rustic quality. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BransonCoachHouse.aspWA 92+ (2/2009): The 2006 Shiraz Draycott contains 2% Grenache and 2% Mourvedre aged in one-third new French barriques. Opaque purple-colored, it offers up a brooding bouquet of wood smoke, mineral, pencil lead, smoked meat, bacon, and blueberry compote. Thick and dense on the palate, at the moment it is a touch austere and will require 3-5 years of additional cellaring to more fully unwind. Drink this lengthy effort from 2013 to 2026.WS 88 (12/2009): Smooth, silky and deftly balanced, offering spicy cherry and cedar aromas and flavors, lingering gently for a big wine. Drink now through 2014. 250 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/BurgeFamily.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Campbells.aspWA 91 (6/2001): The 1998 Shiraz Admiral's Reserve is essentially a 125-case batch selected in the cellar from all the barrels of Shiraz. The wine has an opaque purple color and a sweet nose of blackberry liqueur intermixed with road tar, new saddle leather, pepper, and spice. Full-bodied, rich, structured, and backward, this impressive, large-scaled wine admirably marries a degree of finesse with the boldly flavored, big style favored by Australians. Anticipated maturity: 2002-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CapeDEstaing.aspWS 87 (12/2003): Smooth in texture, aromatic with cherry, menthol and pepper, carrying through with solid fruit and spice that echoes on the finish. Drink now through 2005. 1,800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/CapeDEstaing.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Cimicky.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 99 (10/2005): It’s hard to believe the 2003 Syrah Astralis Vineyard could be better, but it offers riveting richness, intensity, purity, and equilibrium. Structurally, it is similar to the Piggott Range, revealing abundant amounts of sweet, ripe tannin, and huge extract, richness, and depth. Meant for true connoisseurs who are willing to forget it for 5-8 years, it represents what Roman Bratasiuk and Clarendon Hills do so well ... show respect for the great traditions of France, but recognize the extraordinary raw materials that emerge from old vines planted in McLaren Vale. This fabulous wine offers both power and elegance, and showcases the extraordinary talent of Roman Bratasiuk. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2030. WS 95 (4/2005): Aristocratic stuff, brimming with lovely blueberry, plum and vanilla flavors, wrapped in a mantle of peppery, cedary oak, finishing with plenty of flavor and a rousing intensity that promises a long, impressive development. A stylish red that shows no signs of quitting. Best from 2008 through 2020. 600 cases made.IWC 94 (8/2005): Opaque ruby with a violet rim. Full-throttle, liqueur-like aromas of raspberry, black cherry, blueberry, mocha, coffee, violet, licorice pastille and exotic Asian spices. Dense and thick yet fresh, exuberant and high-toned in flavor, showing every imaginable berry note and an impressively deep, velvety texture. Finishes bright, pure, fresh and very long, with fully buffered tannins and exotic, sexy oak spices lingering.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.aspIWC 89+ (8/2003): Medium red-ruby. Expressive nose melds raspberry, currant, smoked meat, truffle and espresso, with a very ripe smoky element. Sweet but quite firm in the mouth; the bright berry fruit seems a bit youthfully hard, owing to the wines strong spine of acidity. Juicy finish shows firm but fine tannins.WA 88 (8/2003): The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Brookmans Vineyard is a dense, chewy, full-bodied effort revealing plenty of cassis, a multi-layered texture, and moderately high tannin in the finish. Patience will be required as this seems to be a slightly leaner version of Cabernet Sauvignon than the other examples.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 92 (10/2005): The 2003 Merlot Brookman Vineyard (which saw about 40% new French oak) is superb. A strong case can be made that there is no better Merlot being made in Australia. It is a dense, thick, juicy effort offering hints of roasted coffee intertwined with berry fruit and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, long, opulent, and silky, it should be enjoyed over the next 10+ years.IWC 90+ (8/2005): Deep red. Aromas of ripe cherry, mocha and roasted coffee. Quite sweet and round in the mouth, showing a sweet, deep cherry flavor complemented by dark chocolate. Here there are none of the green edges found in so much New World merlot. Intense, structured and long, finishing with faintly dusty tannins and a subtle raw meat note coming up with air.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 95 (10/2006): A black, sexy beast, the 2004 Syrah Brookman (aged in 50% new French oak) offers up amazingly full-bodied, intense, blackberry fruit intermixed with notions of roasted coffee, flowers, and creme de cassis. Full-bodied, rich, beautifully textured, opulent, and long, it should drink well for 10-15 years. It appears to be slightly more forward than it was last year.WS 93 (10/2006): Polished. Remarkably open in texture and focused in flavor, fine-grained tannins surrounding a pulsing core of blueberry, plum and wild berry flavors that linger effortlessly on the ever-so-slightly hot finish. Best from 2008 through 2020. 500 cases imported.IWC 92[+?] (8/2006): Deep violet. Intensely aromatic nose shows fresh, floral-tinged blueberry and boysenberry and a suggestion of spicecake. Initially tightly wound but opened to show jammy dark berry flavors and a strong note of licorice candy. This is the most youthful syrah of this set, with impressive concentration and power that bode well for cellaring. Stay away from this brooding powerhouse for at least five years if you're looking for complexity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 92 (8/2003): The 2001 Grenache Old Vines Hickinbotham Vineyard is a winner. This full-bodied, earthy, peppery wine is loaded with licorice-imbued black and red fruits. Expressive, elegant, and lush, it should be drunk over the next decade.WS 92 (9/2003): Strikes an uncanny balance between its elegant, refined frame and its dark, powerful black cherry, blackberry and rose petal flavors, hinting at white pepper and cream as it all lingers effortlessly. Drink now through 2010. 600 cases imported.IWC 89 (8/2003): Moderately saturated medium red. Reticent, slightly roasted nose hints at dry spices; much less showy today than the Clarendon grenache. Plump, smooth and sweet, with moderately deep flavors of raspberry and chocolate. Still rather subdued in the middle palate and showing less power than the Clarendon Vineyard example. Finishes with very fine, dusty tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 92 (10/2004): The Pinot Noir-like 2002 Grenache Old Vines Hickinbotham Vineyard is less sexy than the 2003, revealing more mineral and herbs as well as a more structured, harder character. Notes of smoke and earth emerge from this big, tightly-knit Grenache. Give it 2-3 more years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 12-15 years. I do not think it will ever attain the hedonistic heights of the 2003 Hickinbotham.WS 92 (5/2004): A dazzler, brilliant with mulberry, raspberry and black cherry fruit on a lively but polished frame, tinged with cocoa and spice notes, trailing its flavors through the finish like the tail of a comet. Drink now through 2015. 600 cases imported.IWC 92 (8/2004): Good dark red. Deep, complex nose melds spicy strawberry and raspberry, chocolate, graphite and minerals. Fat, sweet and deep; impressively pliant but also brightened by lovely harmonious acidity. Very spicy, sexy, high-toned grenache, with strong candied red fruit flavors carrying through on the long finish.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 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 (10/2006): The 2004 Syrah Liandra was fashioned from 100-year-old vines grown in clay and sandy soils. Its inky/purple color is followed by a big, sweet nose of creme de cassis, blackberries, tar, and hints of smoke and bay leaves. Full-bodied, opulent, and rich with low acidity as well as sweet tannin, it can be drunk young or cellared for 10-15+ years.WS 91 (10/2006): Polished, generous and aristocratic, with currant and boysenberry flavors strongly shaded with mint and eucalyptus overtones, gliding smoothly into the long, open-textured finish. Best from 2010 through 2020. 500 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The meaty, earthy-styled 2002 Syrah Moritz Vineyard boasts fabulous concentration, wonderful density, a saturated purple color, and notes of creosote, acacia flowers, blackberries, and cassis. It comes across as an Australian version of a hypothetical blend of 50% Cornas and 50% Hermitage. Give it 2-3 years of bottle age, and enjoy it over the following 15+ years.WS 93 (5/2004): Lithe and beautifully focused, a gorgeous red with a sense of real elegance to the pure blueberry, plum and subtle white pepper shadings, persisting into a long, refined finish. Drink now through 2015. 250 cases imported.IWC 93 (8/2004): Saturated medium ruby. Wild, inviting, highly complex aromas of black raspberry, candied blackberry, woodsmoke, pepper, spices, truffle and meat. Silky on entry, then smooth and strong in the middle palate, with spicy, penetrating berry flavors that are simultaneously sappy and creamy. The wine's powerful, palate-staining fruit is nicely supported by very fine tannins. The finish is perked up by a peppery nuance.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ClarendonHills.aspWA 95 (10/2005): The exceptionally fragrant, dark purple 2003 Syrah Moritz Vineyard boasts an extraordinary perfume of acacia flowers, blackberries, cassis, roasted meats, and subtle wood. With fabulous concentration, an expansive, savory texture, well-integrated acidity, alcohol, and wood, and a remarkable finish with plenty of sweet tannin, it can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15 years.IWC 91 (8/2005): Deep, opaque black-ruby color. Seriously deep aromas of ripe cherry, Valrhona chocolate, licorice candy and iron-like raw steak. Sweet and very dense on the palate, with open-knit cherry, plum and blackberry liqueur flavors. Thick and rich on the finish, with big but harmonious tannins. "My Cornas," says proprietor/winemaker Roman Bratasuik.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.aspWA 95 (10/2005): The 2002 Shiraz The Honour is a dense, off-the-chart, potent Shiraz that spent 18 months in French oak. Readers looking for restrained, Euro-styled wines should steer clear of this behemoth. It offers blackberry and cassis fruit intermixed with lead pencil shavings, smoke, and high quality toasty oak. Full-bodied, massively rich, dense, and well-balanced for a wine of this weight and power, it should be at its finest in 2-3 years, and last for 10-15.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ConnorPark.aspWS 86 (12/2005): Supple in texture, with earthy, gamy notes weaving around ripe cherry and smoky-toasty flavors. Drink now through 2008. 1,200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Craneford.aspWA 93 (10/2006): Aged completely in new French oak, the spectacular 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon John Zilm boasts a black/purple color along with superb notes of creme de cassis, cedar, spice box, and subtle new oak. Full-bodied, rich, and beautifully balanced with fresh acidity as well as ripe tannin, this gorgeous Cabernet displays the terrific potential of this varietal in South Australia. Consume it over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Craneford.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 93 (10/2005): After re-tasting the 2002 The Dead Arm Shiraz, I believe my initial rating is correct. It still plays it close to the vest, exhibiting loads of cassis, asphalt, smoke, and barbecue spice-like aromas along with full-bodied flavors. While well-made and impressive, it remains backward and restrained, and does not appear to be up to the quality of either the 2003 or the great 2001.IWC 91+ (8/2004): Bright full ruby. Varietally expressive aromas of currant, espresso, smoke, gunflint and sexy oak, with a distinctly feral note. Highly concentrated, dense and smoky, with a strong syrah note of gunflint. Broad, mouthfilling shiraz with lovely framing acidity, intriguing minerality and impressively sweet tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWA 95 (10/2005): One of this estate’s flagship wines, the 2003 The Dead Arm Shiraz appears to be better than the 2002. A deeper, richer, fuller-bodied offering that spent time in equal parts French and American oak, it possesses an opaque purple color, great intensity, and a fabulously sweet nose of blackberries, cassis, asphalt, earth, and oak. Powerful, super-concentrated, and obviously fashioned from low yields and old vines, this is a classic McLaren Vale old vine Shiraz that should age nicely for 15+ years.IWC 88 (8/2005): Bright medium ruby. Ripe plum and mulberry aromas are a bit sullen, requiring aeration to reveal complicating notes of espresso, licorice and tar. Rich and thick, with roasted cherry and dark chocolate flavors; lacks a sense of energy. Dense, ripe and weighty on the finish but seems reluctant to give up much in the way of nuance today. WS 86 (9/2005): Firm, with a tannic feel to the green olive and berry flavors. This wine has been veering toward a green, earthy flavor profile in recent years, making it less immediately accessible than earlier vintages. Best after 2007. 500 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DArenberg.aspWS 92 (12/2005): Dark and juicy, a dense mouthful of berry and spice flavors, picking up an earthy note as the finish persists impressively against ultrafine tannins. Has intense power but it ends up being graceful. Drink now through 2013. 300 cases imported.WA 89 (10/2005): A wine that merits interest, the flagship cuvee 2003 Shiraz Oscar Semmler is a smoky, peppery, woody, black fruit-scented, medium-bodied, tightly-knit, elegant offering that lacks personality and soul. It is a good, but hardly inspiring Barossa Shiraz to consume over the next decade.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Dutschke.aspWA 93 (8/2003): The 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from a single vineyard, the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead (produced from 78-year old vines) is great stuff. Its saturated purple color is accompanied by scents of toasty new oak intermixed with black cherry liqueur, creme de cassis, creosote, and vanilla. This voluptuous, layered, opulent Cabernet is a full-throttle, Australian version of a French Pomerol. The finish lasts for 50+ seconds. Still primary/youthful, with tremendous upside potential, it can be drunk now, but should be even better in 4-5 years. It will last for 12-15 years, possibly longer.IWC 91 (10/2005): Deep ruby. Ripe and exotic on the nose, offering scents of fruitcake, cherry candy, dark chocolate, patchouli and sandalwood; smells like a walk through a head shop. Round and open-knit, with sweet chocolate and cherry preserve flavors complemented by suave oak spice. Finishes sweet, supple and long.WS 90 (7/2003): Velvety, polished and nicely packed with plum, currant and sweet spice aromas and flavors, which echo enticingly on the seductive finish. Has both refinement and length. Drink now through 2007. 180 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspIWC 89 (8/2004): Medium red. Musky aromas of red berries, underbrush and vanillin oak. Silky-sweet and pliant, with fruit-driven flavors of strawberry, raspberry and loam. Finishes with fairly substantial tannins and light nutty oak. Seems less obviously oaky than many past reds from this winery.WS 86 (12/2005): Ripe and forceful. A substantial mouthful of cherry and red pepper, with a lifted, slightly vinegary note on the long finish. Flawed but distinctive. Drink now through 2010. 80 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWA 91 (10/2005): Displaying a similar color as well as personality and depth, the 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead exhibits a more scorched/roasted character to its nose, sweeter, more pliable and open-knit flavors, and nearly as much aging potential as the cooler vintage conditions produced in 2002. A beautiful, full-throttle, gutsy Cabernet Sauvignon, it can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years.IWC 91 (10/2005): Dark ruby. Intensely perfumed nose displays vibrant blackcurrant, blackberry and sweet oak aromas. Supple and fat but with admirable balance. The sweet berry preserve flavors are nicely complemented by the sexy oak spices, which never become overbearing. Finishes lush and long, with suave, fine-grained tannins.WS 88 (12/2005): Ripe, generous and deftly balanced to play its pretty blueberry, plum and spice flavors against a refined frame. Finishes with fine tannins and a hint of red pepper. Drink now through 2010. 80 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Elderton.aspWS 90 (9/2006): Polished and juicy with lime-scented apple and star fruit flavors, finishing with a refreshing lilt of acidity and a touch of creamy oak. Drink now through 2010.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/EvansTate.aspWA 93 (10/2006): Terrific fruit is a hallmark of the 2004 Grenache Old Vine Collection (a French and American oak-aged cuvee produced from 85-year-old vines). Kirsch liqueur, licorice, spice box, pepper, and roasted herb notes emerge from this big, full, exuberant, extroverted Australian version of a top-notch Chateauneuf du Pape. Enjoy it over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Gibson.aspWA 95 (10/2005): A profound offering fashioned from 93- to 140-year-old vines, the 2003 Old Vine Collection Shiraz boasts extraordinary elegance and precision along with a deep, black raspberry and cassis-scented nose, beautiful sweetness, a peppery, spicy purity on the attack, full body, superb ripeness, decent acidity, and a long, heady, supple finish. It should drink well for a minimum of 10-15 years.WS 93 (10/2006): Ripe and rich, with a plush, open texture. Shows black cherry, blackberry, dark plum and sweet spice flavors that linger effortlessly through the big, long finish. Attractive for its supple texture and big flavors. Drink now through 2020. 150 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Gibson.aspWA 95 (10/2006): A blockbuster, the 2004 Shiraz Old Vine Collection is 100% Shiraz made from an amazing parcel of 140-year-old vines. It is a broodingly rich, backward, formidably endowed, dense ruby/purple-hued Shiraz boasting a huge, spicy, smoky nose, rich, sweet, blackberry and cassis fruit as well as hints of melted road tar, pepper, and flowers. This is a full-throttle Barossa Shiraz with a relatively modest alcohol content (14.4%). Given the richness, extract, and sweetness of the tannins, it can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Gibson.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz, is produced from 90- to 100-year-old dry-farmed vineyards that yielded a microscopic .25-1 ton of fruit per acre. Aged 15 months in 100% new American oak barrels and hogsheads, its inky/purple color is accompanied by tantalizing aromas of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and cassis. This deep, full-bodied, smoky, rich, full-throttle Shiraz is remarkably well-balanced as well as intense. Give it 1-3 more years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 10-15.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Glaetzer.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz, is produced from 90- to 100-year-old dry-farmed vineyards that yielded a microscopic .25-1 ton of fruit per acre. Aged 15 months in 100% new American oak barrels and hogsheads, its inky/purple color is accompanied by tantalizing aromas of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and cassis. This deep, full-bodied, smoky, rich, full-throttle Shiraz is remarkably well-balanced as well as intense. Give it 1-3 more years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 10-15.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Glaetzer.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The flagship offering, the 2002 Shiraz, is produced from 90- to 100-year-old dry-farmed vineyards that yielded a microscopic .25-1 ton of fruit per acre. Aged 15 months in 100% new American oak barrels and hogsheads, its inky/purple color is accompanied by tantalizing aromas of charcoal, acacia flowers, blackberry liqueur, blueberries, and cassis. This deep, full-bodied, smoky, rich, full-throttle Shiraz is remarkably well-balanced as well as intense. Give it 1-3 more years of bottle age, and drink it over the following 10-15.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Glaetzer.aspIWC 93 (8/2006): Inky ruby. Spicy blackberry, cherry and dark chocolate on the nose, with complicating notes of espresso and dried violet. Cool and restrained, with a suave, silky tone to the dark fruit flavors and gentle acids bringing freshness and energy. Nothing overdone here. There's impressive clarity and length to the blackberry and blackcurrant flavors. Really gorgeous.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Glaetzer.aspWA 93 (10/2004): The stunning 2002 Bishop (100% Shiraz from 40- to 80-year-old vines) was aged 16 months in primarily old American hogsheads (300-500 liter barrels). This is a superb example of Barossa Shiraz, combining power and concentration with a sense of balance and symmetry. Dense purple-colored with a gorgeous nose of sweet cassis intertwined with new saddle leather, spice box, and licorice, this full-bodied, unctuously-textured effort boasts tremendous intensity, good tannic structure, decent acidity, and a long, heady finish. The 14% alcohol content is relatively restrained by Barossa standards. It should drink well for 7-8 years.IWC 91 (8/2005): Saturated ruby. Explosive, ripe aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, roasted coffee, fruitcake and cigarbox. Fat, even unctuous, displaying blueberry pie, sweet licorice, kirsch, molasses and subtle oak spices. The tannins are big but covered by fruit on the finish. As big and dense as this is, it's also focused and balanced.WS 88 (3/2005): On the lean and bright side, with ripe cherry and spice. Finishes lithe, with lavish, cedary oak. Drink now through 2008. 2,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Glaetzer.aspWA 94 (10/2004): One of the finest Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever tasted from Margaret River, and certainly worthy of the best vintages of the famed Leeuwin Estate, is Gralyn Estate’s 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon. A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon made from 26-year-old dry-farmed vineyards, it was partially barrel-fermented, and aged 24 months in primarily new French oak. It is a fabulously well-defined beauty boasting a dense purple color in addition to a sweet, creamy nose of black currants, licorice, and spice box. With fabulous texture, tremendous purity, admirable presence in the mouth, and great individuality as well as soul, this stunning Cabernet is still somewhat primary, but should evolve for 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/GralynEstate.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 94 (10/2002): Made by winemakers Michael Waugh and Chris Ringland at the Rockford winery in Barossa, the 1996 Cabernet Sauvignon Roennfeldt Road (120 cases from 50-year old vines) was aged for three years in new French oak. Its 13.4% alcohol is modest by Barossa standards. An opaque purple color is followed by gorgeous aromas of blueberry and blackberry liqueur intermixed with flower, camphor, and vanilla scents. Marvelously rich and full-bodied, with a viscous texture, superb purity, and a multilayered, skyscraper personality, this is profound stuff! Anticipated maturity: 2005-2020.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.aspWA 98 (10/2005): There are 236 cases of the 1999 Shiraz Roennfeldt Road (also from 65-year-old vines). Although it pushes ripeness to the limit, it does not reveal any raisiny/pruny characteristics. It offers wonderful freshness, good acidity, superb intensity, and copious quantities of blackberry, cassis, crushed rock, floral, and spicy new oak notes. Massive and concentrated with perfect equilibrium, it can be drunk now and over the next 25 years.http://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.aspIWC 93 (8/2002): Very deep, dark red. Alluring, deep fragrance of red berries, plum and cherry, with sweet, lightly smoky oak, clove and nutmeg. Surprisingly subtle, supple and restrained, with piercing small berry fruits perfectly match by creamy oak. Exceptionally long on the aftertaste. A regional classic, totally avoiding overripeness.WS 91 (12/2008): Ripe and spicy, this is dense with blackberry, pepper and licorice flavors, fine, firm tannins. Feels like it hasn't budged in 10 years. Some sharp acidity keeps this from getting too big or brawny, and there's a nice sense of sweetness on the finish.--Australian reds blind retrospective. 500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/StHallett.aspWS 92 (9/2002): Rich, ripe and fleshy, beautifully balanced to make the powerful blackberry and licorice flavors graceful, finishing with fine-grained, highly polished tannins. Drink now through 2010. 1,000 cases imported.IWC 90 (8/2002): Deep, dark ruby-red. Spicy, fragrant, lightly spirity aromas of violet, cassis, raspberry and plum, backed by smoky tobacco oak; heady, ripe and meaty. Luxuriant and full-flavored on the palate, velvety-smooth and creamy. Its sweet smoky oak gives off a whiff of used ashtray, while the faintest note of herbal greenness pokes through at the end. But a very good wine from a challenging year.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/StHallett.aspWS 93 (7/2006): Has depth and plenty of zip, showing off its ripe blueberry and blackberry flavors against refreshing acidity and a nice hint of dark chocolate on the long, refined finish against superfine tannins. Better than previously reviewed. Drink now through 2015. 64 cases imported.IWC 91 (8/2006): Deep ruby. Smoky, toasty blackberry, cassis and dark plum aromas, with complicating suggestions of tobacco leaf, anise, black tea and charred meat. Fairly lush in texture, with good tannic structure helping to frame the powerful dark fruit, espresso and dark chocolate flavors. Persistent, gently oak-spicy finish. A very good vintage for this bottling.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/StHallett.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Heathvale.aspWA 95 (10/2002): The 2000 Shiraz Reserve (a selection of the finest barrels that has been aged in 100% new American oak for 13 months) displays the extraordinary fruit quality achieved by South Australia's top vineyards. The color is opaque blue/purple. The aromatics reveal gorgeous scents of blackberries, blueberries, cassis, pepper, licorice, and new oak. Formidably concentrated, extremely full-bodied and opulent, it is a fabulously concentrated, hedonistic effort. This is what "pleasure" drinking is all about. Forget terroir, and all the pseudo intellectuals with their phony rhetoric about transparency, and criticism of wines that "taste too good." This is uncompromised, unadulterated, pure pleasure. Drink it over the next 7-10 years.WS 92 (5/2002): Densely packed with gorgeous, distinctive flavors, with blueberry, currant, coffee and cardamom flavors cascading across the palate. Tannins beautifully submerged and the flavors keep singing on the finish. Drink now through 2007. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HenrysDrive.aspWA 94 (8/2003): A fabulous offering is the 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon Cyril Henschke. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, aged completely in French oak, it boasts a dense ruby/purple color in addition to an elegant perfume of black fruits, loamy soil, and hints of mineral as well as spicy wood. Medium to full-bodied, pure, layered, and impeccably made, this elegant Cabernet will drink well for 12-15 years.WS 88 (12/2003): Earthy, gamy flavors run through this velvety-textured, harmonious red, offering cherry, red berry and menthol flavors, plus a touch of the barnyard. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2005 through 2012. 80 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 95 (9/2002): Explosively aromatic and extraordinarily long, this well-balanced wine doesn't show its muscle as much as does its structure to propel the gorgeous flavors. Cherries, berries, earth and mineral notes mingle enticingly, wrapped in a gentle buzz of tannins. A stylish wine that should age well. Drink now through 2012. 35 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 83 (9/2002): A muscular red, with too much gamy, leathery flavor to balance the fruit. There's a nice core of black cherry and currant, which echoes on the solid finish, but it's not going to please the crowd. This was the better of two bottles. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now. 275 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspIWC 89+ (8/2000): Deep red-ruby. Flamboyant aromas of creme de cassis, soy sauce, roasted meat and exotic spices. Lush, supple, sweet and quite concentrated, with an almost jammy ripeness and a suave texture. Finishes ripely tannic and long, and yet I detected a slight bitter edge to the flavors. WA 87 (6/2001): Exhibiting mint/eucalyptus is the compressed, medium-bodied 1997 Shiraz Mt. Edelstone. This well-made, pure effort possesses red and black fruits, surprising acidity, and a lighter style than I would have expected from such a famous winery as well as renowned wine. Drink it over the next 5-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.aspWS 93 (9/2002): Rich and gamy, an explosive mouthful of berries, cherries and wild game notes, which linger on the plump, nicely burnished texture. Tannins are present but not intrusive as the complex flavors hang on nicely. Best from 2005 through 2014. 150 cases imported.IWC 88 (8/2002): Deep, dark red-ruby. Rustic aromas of dark berries, plum, earth and meat against a briary background of aniseed. Very leathery and developed for its age, with flavors of small berries, plum and menthol set against cedary, chocolatey oak. Finishes with tightly knit, firm tannins. Could use more focus and freshness of fruit.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Henschke.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Howarths.aspWA 88 (2/2000): The 1994 Shiraz reveals intense eucalyptus/minty notes accompanying its blackberry/currant fruit. There is fine density and medium to full body, but it is a wine for those who crave weediness in the aromatic and flavor profiles. It should drink well for 10-12 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/HuttonVale.aspWS 91 (8/2006): Thick, with a layer of black pepper over a mouthfilling gob of black cherry and licorice that cries out for grilled red meat. Drinkable now, better with some age. Best from 2008 through 2013. 61,000 cases imported.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/JacobsCreek.aspWA 90 (8/2003): The exceptional 2001 Shiraz Old Vine (from 110- and 40-year old vines) was aged 24 months in French and American oak, and bottled unfiltered. A saturated ruby/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of creosote, blueberries, blackberries, melted licorice, and a hint of espresso. Sweet and full-bodied, with copious fruit as well as style and grace, it is tempting to say these wines are too big and rich, but they are controlled, with surprisingly fine definition. This 2001 should drink well for 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.aspWA 92-94 (10/2004): A fruit-driven, exotic, in-your-face cuvee, the 2003 Shiraz Stonehorse (which spends time in old oak) does not possess the structure found in the Old Vine The Hammer. It offers lovely black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as medium to full body, but not as much espresso roast, vanilla, or tannin as the 2002 Old Vine. This richly fruity offering sells for a song. It should drink well for a decade or more. It is a great introduction to the more seriously structured, denser Kaesler style.WS 90 (3/2005): Polished on the outside, vibrant on the inside, with a whoosh of cherry, plum and licorice flavor that just won't quit as the finish persists impressively. Drink now through 2012. 3,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kaesler.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The spectacular 2003 Shiraz/Viognier sells for a song. A blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier that was co-fermented then aged 14 months in new French oak, it represents the poor person’s Torbreck Run Rig or Guigal Cote Rotie La Mouline. It’s hard to believe $25 still buys a wine of such marvelous quality. The uplifting nose of exotic apricot marmalade intermixed with creme de cassis, blackberry liqueur, and acacia flowers is followed by a voluptuously-textured, full-bodied wine with no hard edges. While it will not make old bones, for drinking over the next 7-8 years, it is a stunning wine. The 14% alcohol is relatively low by South Australian standards.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KangarillaRoad.aspWA 87 (6/2001): The dense ruby/plum/purple-colored 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of smoke, creosote, cassis, and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, rich, and elegant, this stylish Cabernet can be drunk now and over the next decade.WS 87 (12/2002): Ripe in flavor, soft in texture, with a spicy-oak note running through the broad blackberry and cedar flavors. Drink now through 2007. 160 cases imported.IWC 87 (8/2001): Bright ruby-red. Currant, loam and lean pencil aromas. Moderately sweet and shapely, with modest flesh and complexity; slightly grapey. Finishes with light, slightly drying tannins and a late note of leather.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KatnookEstate.aspWA 95 (10/2004): The 2002 Shiraz Block 6 (made from 112-year-old vines cropped at a mere 1-2 tons of fruit per acre) is the antithesis of the Hillside cuvee. Backward and nearly impenetrable, its inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by high levels of tannin, huge structure, and massive concentration. It requires 3-6 more years to become civilized and accessible. This dense Shiraz saturates the palate with extract and concentration as well as elevated tannin. It is amazing one winery could produce two wines that are so totally opposite. Only consumers with cool cellars and the patience to wait 5-6 years should purchase this blockbuster. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2022+. This wine is finished with a screw cap.IWC 92 (8/2005): Dark ruby. Strikingly aromatic and all over the olfactory map, offering notes of dark cherry, blackcurrant, graphite, violet, rose, Sen-Sen, licorice pastille, underbrush and cracked pepper, all framed by sexy, light, bourbony oak notes. Very rich and full, with terrific cut and lift. The flavors of bright red berries are complicated by sweet pastry hints and tangy minerality. This has wonderful freshness and life for its size and should richly reward cellaring.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/KayBrothersAmeryVyds.aspWS 92 (10/2008): Has impressive concentration without getting heavy or dense, offering sleek cherry, blackberry, berry leaf and mineral flavors that keep swirling through the long, focused finish. The tannins are well-submerged. Best from 2010 through 2017. 500 cases imported. ... IWC 92 (8/2008): Ruby-red. Intensely perfumed, energetic scents of red and dark berries, cherry-vanilla and minerals, complicated by incense and floral oils. Vibrant and sharply focused, with lively raspberry and blackcurrant flavors, silky tannins and a late note of candied licorice. Refreshingly juicy on the finish, with the cassis and floral qualities repeating. This is impressively lively for a wine with such flavor impact. ... WA 92 (10/2007): The 2005 Shiraz "Covenant" from the Clare Valley was aged for 22 months in French and American oak hogsheads, 30% new, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. It exhibits cooler climate hints of mint and menthol, as well as mineral, pencil lead, blueberry, and blackberry liqueur. Elegantly styled, with excellent depth and concentration, it will evolve for 3-4 years, and drink well through 2020.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kilikanoon.aspWS 94 (10/2007): The 2005 Shiraz "Testament," from the Barossa sub-regions of Greenock and Vine Vale, is more deeply colored and glass-coating than the Covenant. It offers up a fragrant perfume of smoke, game, violet, lavender, blueberry, and blackberry. Rounder and richer, it also has more grip and structure, with 6-8 years of aging potential. Drink this powerful Shiraz through 2025.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Kilikanoon.aspIWC 90 (8/2004): Good dark ruby to the rim. Port-like aromas of roasted berries, chocolate, rye bread and nut skin. Superripe and chocolatey-rich; sweet, fat flavors of raspberry and plum. I don't find a lot of complexity here, but it's hard to argue with the wine's concentration and depth of texture. According to importer Ben Hammerschlag, this is from the oldest shiraz vineyard in Australia , dating back to 1844.WS 88 (12/2004): Dark and juicy, with spicy black cherry and boysenberry flavors that linger on the round, generous finish. Drink now through 2012. 400 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Langmeil.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/DeLisio.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/LostHighway.aspWA 90 (8/2003): The outstanding 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon, like the Merlot, it is produced primarily from McLaren Vale and Padthaway fruit. Yields on all these wines are restricted to about four tons of fruit per acre, low for wines at this price. The dense purple-colored Cabernet reveals classic aromas of cedar, tobacco leaf, and red as well as black currants. Creamy textured with noticeable wood (it was aged in 80% American and 20% French oak, all one year old), it finishes with considerable glycerin, ripeness, and sweet tannin.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MarquisPhilips.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 (3/2003): 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 89 (8/2003): The perfumed, exceptionally elegant, medium-bodied, dark ruby/purple-colored 2001 Shiraz Reiver possesses good purity, decent acidity, and a restrained, graceful personality that offers delicious drinking now and over the next 7-8 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mitolo.aspWA 95-99 (10/2004): The 2003 Shiraz Reiver is a 100% Shiraz from the Greenock region of Barossa cropped at 1.2 tons of fruit per acre, and aged 18 months in primarily new French barrels and small foudres. Winemaker Ben Glaetzer has fashioned an opaque purple-colored offering displaying a gorgeous bouquet of crushed rocks, violets, and blueberries that is reminiscent of the prodigious 1990 St.-Emilion, Beausejour-Duffau. It possesses a terrific texture, impressive purity, a long finish, and atypically low alcohol (14%) for such ripeness and intensity.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mitolo.aspWA 93 (8/2003): Bottled six months ago, the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico is allegedly made in the style of an Italian Amarone. Because of that, I expected to see more prune, raisiny, and tar-like aromas and flavors. In reality, the fruit was air-dried for seven weeks, resulting in considerable dehydration which rachets up the level of intensity as well as concentration. There is no doubting that this is a seriously built, full-throttle Cabernet Sauvignon on steroids. It offers a tremendous nose of new saddle leather mixed with creme de cassis, tobacco smoke, and a hint of spicy French wood. With great intensity, power, and richness in addition to surprisingly good balance, it can drunk now because of its seamless integration of acidity, tannin, and alcohol. This fascinating effort should last for 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mitolo.aspWA 92 (10/2004): Aged 10 months in new French oak, the intensely varietal 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Serpico boasts a fragrant black currant, floral, tobacco leaf, and spice box-scented nose along with intense fruit, wonderful purity, superb density, and remarkable elegance as well as definition. It will be interesting to see how this beauty evolves and ages. While accessible, it appears to have the stuffing and balance necessary to evolve for a decade or more.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Mitolo.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MontysHill.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/MountLangiGhiran.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 96+ (6/2009): Even better is the 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Like its older sibling, it exhibits an inky/blue/purple color followed by an attractive bouquet of creosote, tar, creme de cassis, incense, and flowers, but no evidence of oak. This full-bodied, beautifully layered, stunningly pure, long effort is one of the most compelling Cabernet Sauvignons I have tasted from South Australia. It can compete with the best of Napa Valley or Washington State in terms of New World Cabernet Sauvignons. It should evolve over the next 10 years, and last for another decade thereafter.IWC 90+ (8/2000): Deep ruby-purple. Blackberry, shoe polish and eucalyptus on the nose. Very concentrated and firmly built; dark berry flavors complicated by notes of spice and mint. Finishes with ripe, powdery tannins and excellent length. Structured to age, but perhaps not quite as dense as the Eclipse, the estate flagship wine.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/NoonWinery.aspWA 98 (10/2005): Perhaps the finest Cabernet Sauvignon made in Australia is Noon's inky/purple-hued 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, a classic Cabernet with riveting levels of creme de cassis and graphite characteristics. Full-bodied and deep, with superb balance, high but sweet tannin, fabulous concentration, and a long 60 plus second finish, this is stunning Cabernet Sauvignon from 33-year-old vines cropped at 1.5 tons of fruit per acre. Anticipated maturity: 2006-2020+.http://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/OliversTaranga.aspWA 95-97 (2/2000): Readers should keep an eye out for the 1998 Terra Rossa First Growth after its release later this year. Its dense purple color is followed by extraordinarily sweet fruit, intense glycerin, and a full-bodied, concentrated mouth-feel. The purity, high extract, and uncanny symmetry is breathtaking. Perhaps the finest Terra Rossa First Growth yet produced, it should drink well for two decades or more.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Parker.aspWS 78 (5/1993): A rustic, coarse style, with generous Cabernet flavors overlaid with menthol and mint notes, finishing coarse in texture and short.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 93 (2/2002): This wine is generous, open, and sweet in its personality. Dense purple, this blend of 95% Shiraz and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon shows great fruit, a very lush, open-knit style with full body, high glycerin, low acidity, and superb purity. It is a very jammy, voluptuous wine, dominated by its creme de cassis fruit intermixed with tar and licorice. Anticipated maturity: now-2017.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 97 (6/2009): The 1982 is another superb example of that. One of the jammiest, most precocious Granges when it was released, it has never gone through a closed stage and continues to drink beautifully. A full-bodied, opulent Grange, it reveals an inky/purple color to the rim as well as a beautiful nose of crushed blueberries, blackberries, smoke, toast, roasted herbs, and road tar. This dense, plush, expansive, seamless, seductive 1982 has not changed much since I had it nearly a decade ago. WS 92 (1/1997): Packed with bright flavors, raspberry and red plum dominating, with great length and sweet tannins to suggest a long life. Harmonious and elegant beneath focused power.--Penfolds Grange vertical. Best from 2007 through 2010. 5,000 cases made.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.WS 90 (1/1997): Extemely spicy on the nose, with zingy berry and plum character coursing through the palate of typical Grange flavors. Chewy with tannins, but they're finely grained. Needs until 2005 or so.--Penfolds Grange vertical. 5,500 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 91 (2/2002): A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, this was considered to be "an uncharacteristically soft, fruity Grange." Everyone at the tasting agreed with those comments. This wine shows a syrupy creme de cassis, earthy note, some pepper, and caramel. It is somewhat soft and accessible for such a relatively young Grange, but there is plenty of structure and tannin in the finish. It is certainly perfumed and more evolved than some of its siblings that are actually older, chronologically speaking. This wine has sweet, full-bodied, plum, cherry, and cassis flavors, with some distinct truffle and asphalt notes. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 91 (2/2002): A blend of 94% Shiraz and 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, this was considered to be "an uncharacteristically soft, fruity Grange." Everyone at the tasting agreed with those comments. This wine shows a syrupy creme de cassis, earthy note, some pepper, and caramel. It is somewhat soft and accessible for such a relatively young Grange, but there is plenty of structure and tannin in the finish. It is certainly perfumed and more evolved than some of its siblings that are actually older, chronologically speaking. This wine has sweet, full-bodied, plum, cherry, and cassis flavors, with some distinct truffle and asphalt notes. Anticipated maturity: 2003-2016.WS 91 (1/1997): A rich wine that never forgets to be elegant, this is plush, focused and generous with its berry, plum and anise flavors that remain sweet and supple through the long finish.--Penfolds Grange vertical. 1,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWS 91 (9/2004): Firm, densely packed with black cherry, dark berry and earthy, mineral flavors that persist impressively onto a solid finish. Needs time to flesh itself out and shed some chunky tannins. Best from 2006 through 2015. 1,800 cases made.WA 87 (10/2004): The 2001 Shiraz Magill Estate, which is meant to be one of Penfolds’ flagship offerings, offers a shy but enticing aromatic display of flowers, black fruits, forest floor, and wood. Elegant, medium-bodied, not terribly concentrated flavors once again display a certain acidic edge that is unnatural. Nevertheless, the quality and purity of the fruit, the pleasant aromatics, and the intrinsic qualities that have not been totally obliterated by acid obsessed oenologists pull the wine through, but one wonders what it could have been? Drink it over the next 5-7 years.IWC 87 (8/2004): Red-ruby. Musky aromas of raspberry, cassis and espresso. Sappy and dry, with slightly tart flavors and a green element on the back end; this came off as less sweet than the 2000 St. Henri Shiraz . The tannins are somewhat dry-edged. (Unfortunately, my bottle of the 2001 RWT Shiraz was corked.)http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Penfolds.aspWA 91 (8/2003): The 2001 Shiraz Footprint reveals good ripeness, density, sweetness of fruit, and a precocious character as well as lofty tannin in the finish. Made from young vines and aged in 70% new oak (60% French and 40% American), its dense inky/purple color is accompanied by a sweet perfume of blackberries, cassis, licorice, and smoke. Medium-bodied, rich, and sweet, with low acidity, ripe tannin, good corpulence, texture, and persistence, it will drink well for 5-9 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/PennysHill.aspWS 91 (6/2001): Distinctive for its harmonious balance and delicious fruit flavors, this stylish red echoes exotic berry and plum notes, framed by fine-grained tannins. Impressive finish lets the flavors echo long and rich. Best from 2003 through 2013. 5,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Petaluma.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RedEdge.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Rockford.aspWS 90 (6/2001): A solid red, chewy and dense, with plum, currant and lots of peppery spice overtones. Finishes with fine-grained tannins and a relatively soft texture, which lets the flavors soar. Best after 2003. 800 cases imported.WA 87 (4/1999): Readers looking for a Beaujolais-styled wine with plenty of character and fruit should check out the 1998 Shiraz/Cabernet Sauvignon (65% of the former and 35% of the latter). Medium ruby-colored with copious aromas of berry fruit and pepper, this fleshy, medium-bodied, fruit-driven red can be served slightly chilled over the next year.IWC 86 (8/2001): Saturated red-ruby. Ripe aromas of currant, spicecake, chocolate, mocha and chicory. Dense, lush and sweet; rich and full but could use a bit more definition of flavor. Finishes slightly dry and green, with edgy tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/RosemountEstate.aspWA 94 (8/2003): Obviously Christian Canute is not shy about his pricing procedure, as reflected in the 2000 Shiraz Black Guts. Made from microscopic yields of .5 - 2 tons of fruit per acre, aged 30 months in a combination of French and American barrels, and bottled without filtration, it is an ambitious, serious Shiraz that stands out as one of this challenging vintage’s top efforts. An artisinal style is apparent in the wine’s controversial, kinky bouquet of flowers intermixed with blackberries, rhubarb, pepper, and licorice. While deep, full-bodied, and impressive, its singular style will not be enjoyed by everybody. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Rusden.aspIWC 90 (8/2001): Ruby-red. Old World aromas of game, smoke and pepper; complex and a bit rustic. Dense, lush and gamey, with pliant, deep fruit and attractively restrained sweetness. Nicely focused for such a supple wine. Finishes long and ripely tannic.WA 88 (6/2001): The 1999 School Block (a blend of 55% Shiraz, 40% Cabernet, and 5% Merlot, 600 cases produced) is a good value. The wine shows excellent blackberry and cassis fruit notes, attractive, supple texture, medium to full body, and gorgeous fruit and length. While it is meant for current drinking, it should hold nicely for another 2-3 years.WS 87 (12/2001): Smooth and juicy, with pretty blueberry and raspberry flavors morphing into spicy, peppery notes on the finish. Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2005. 6,000 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Scarpantoni.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 93 (10/2006): The dense, chewy, rich, deeply-colored 2005 Shiraz is a full-bodied, ripe, intense wine, but does not reveal quite the same thrilling level of quality as the Cabernet. Nevertheless, it is no wimpy wine, boasting 16% alcohol as well as stunning richness and length. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.WS 92 (6/2007): Supple, generous and nicely focused to show off its plush blueberry, plum, dusky spice and cream flavors, lingering extensively on the polished finish. Has high alcohol, but carries it well. Drink now through 2015. 2,250 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Shirvington.aspWS 91 (10/2000): Round and ripe, with flavors of currants, brownies and plums. The tannins are firm, nicely supporting the coffee and blueberry notes on the finish. Drink now through 2005. 7,450 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Stonegate.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ChateauTahbilk.aspWA 91-93 (10/2004): A barrel sample of the 2003 Shiraz Cambrian reveals marvelous raw materials, combining both power and elegance. It should evolve into a multidimensional wine.IWC 90 (8/2005): Dark ruby. Flamboyant aromas of sweet blackberry, cassis, dark raspberry and candied licorice, with notes of violet, mocha and sexy oak spice. Very syrah in the mouth, with flavors of creme de mure, black olive, roasted coffee, sweet pepper and light camphor. Supple and round on the finish, with fully buffered, sweet tannins.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Tatiarra.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.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.aspWA 93 (10/2004): The impressive, full-bodied, opaque ruby/purple-colored 2002 Shiraz William Randell offers a classic combination of blackberries, licorice, pepper, spice box, underbrush, camphor, and a touch of mint. With great structure, concentration, and definition, it requires 1-2 years of cellaring, and should age for 10-15 years.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.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. 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.aspWA 96 (10/2004): There are 1,000 cases of the 2002 Descendant, a blend of 92% Shiraz and 8% Viognier that spent 18 months in 2-year-old French oak. The fruit is sourced from the section of the Barossa Valley known as Marananga. The Viognier and Shiraz are co-fermented together, and the name, Descendant, comes the fact that it is essentially the same blend as the famed Run Rig, but sees no new oak. A magnificent effort, the dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Descendant offers gorgeous aromas of crushed blackberries, raspberries, licorice, acacia flowers, and the added notes of honeysuckle and apricots from the Viognier. Full-bodied and opulently textured, with good tannin, structure, purity, and a broad, expansive finish that lasts nearly a minute, it needs 1-2 years of cellaring, and should keep for 12-15+.WS 91 (9/2004): Tremendously aromatic, with spicy, leafy, floral and gamy character wrapping around a core of dark, brooding fruit, turning leaner and less generous in the mouth, finishing with a nice mineral touch. There's a lot going on, but it never quite breaks out-maybe with cellaring? Shiraz with 8 percent Viognier. Best after 2007. 700 cases made.IWC 90 (8/2004): Roasted black cherry syrup on the nose, along with an exotic hint of apricot from the viognier. Sappy and fruit-driven, with liqueur-like fla vors of black cherry and black raspberry. Densely packed and sweet. Finishes with substantial ripe tannins that turned a bit dry with aeration.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 96 (10/2005): Primarily Shiraz with a tiny dollop of Viognier, the blockbuster 2003 Descendant spent 18 months in used French oak (barrels that were previously used for Torbreck’s flagship cuvee, Run Rig). A spectacular perfume of flowers, blackberries, cassis, licorice, and honeysuckle is followed by an unctuously textured, full-bodied red displaying a seamless integration of wood, tannin, acidity, and alcohol. With elegance, power, richness, and just about everything one could want in a full-throttle, beautifully balanced dry red wine, it will drink well for 12-15 years.WS 94 (6/2005): Finely honed, focused and brilliant in flavor, with that distinct twang of fruity spice from Viognier adding a welcome lift to the dark berry, sloe plum and dried apricot flavors that linger expressively on the long finish. Shiraz and Viognier. Best from 2006 through 2015. 800 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 98 (10/2007): The 2005 Les Amis, sourced from a 100+-year-old vineyard, is 100% Grenache aged for 18 months in new oak. Remarkably fragrant, it emits full-throttle aromas of spice box, kirsch, wild raspberry, and blackberry liqueur. Plush on the palate, it reveals layers of rich, red and black berry flavors, ripe tannin, and a 60-second, pure finish. Although it can be admired now, the wine merits 6-8 years of further bottle aging to reveal all of its splendors. This sensational effort could easily masquerade as Pegau Cuvee de Capo on human growth hormone.IWC 94 (10/2008): Deep, saturated ruby color. Drop-dead gorgeous aromas of red berry liqueur, cherry-cola, incense and fresh lavender expand with air, taking on smoky mineral and Asian spice qualities. Deeply concentrated raspberry and blackberry compote flavors are enlivened by vibrant minerality and framed by velvety tannins. An extremely sexy wine that leaves an endless finish of berries, kirsch and candied flowers behind. This is already awfully compelling.WS 91 (10/2008): Rich and ripe, with a dried cherry edge to the raspberry and pomegranate fruit, finishing with a lift. Has a spicy frame that lets the fruit sail on the finish. Grenache. Drink now through 2013. 100 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 95 (10/2002): The 2000 The Factor (1,000 cases) has benefited from the fact that Powell decided not to produce a Run Rig in 2000. It is a compelling wine of great richness, multiple dimensions, and glorious levels of blackberry liqueur-like fruit intermixed with creme de cassis, melted licorice, espresso, and leather. Sweet, expansive, and opulent, it is a lusty, hedonistic, mouth-staining Shiraz that should drink well for 10-15 years.IWC 91 (8/2003): Deep red-ruby. Leathery, herbal, spicy, slightly evolved aromas of small black and red berries, with restrained cedar and vanilla oak notes, licorice, musk and clove. Medium to full in weight, with tannins that are firm but not aggressive. A vibrant core of slightly jammy small berry and plum flavor coats the length of the palate, while the oak is understated and supportive. Finishes spicy and long. Should reach its peak in two to five years.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Torbreck.aspWA 92 (10/2005): From Langhorne Creek, the 200-case cuvee of 2003 Shiraz Harry and Edward’s Garden is classically southern Australian, displaying notes of loamy soil, blackberries, cassis, smoke, and toasty oak. This rich, full-bodied impressive Shiraz should drink well for a decade.WS 90 (3/2005): Firm and lively, with a wonderful range of spicy, floral, earthy aromatics that swirl around a fine core of cinnamon-scented black cherry and berry flavors on a silky frame. Drink now through 2009. 170 cases imported.IWC 89 (8/2005): Dark ruby. Earthy, musky aromas of dark cherry and plum, with a suggestion of chocolate. A firmly structured shiraz that nonetheless offers good pliancy of texture. Flavors of cherry and dark berries, plus a slightly salty chocolate note. This is more "winey" today than the Max's bottling and drinking nicely right now.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/TwoHands.aspWS 88 (12/2006): Crisp and citrusy. Balanced gracefully, with just enough spicy oak to add depth. The green apple, lemon and floral flavors linger on the lively finish. Best from 2008 through 2013. 1,200 cases made.http://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Tyrrells.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Wendouree.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Wendouree.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Woodstock.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/Woodstock.asphttp://www.flickingerwines.com/growers/ZemaEstate.asp