Tasted September 2011.

Sweet and inviting nose here; blackberries, raisins and stewed plums. Mouth feel as plenty of flavour with lots of ripe fruits, and vanilla but lacking in acidity. The finish is hot with some cedar notes. A little too sweet for me, may not be my style of wine but not a bad one here.

very dark in colour, sweet and fruity

Lots of fruit, soft tannins, a little limp. Not worth 20 but would pay 16.

Traditional Barossa Shiraz, big big & big, without the structure. This wine is inky purple to ruby & dark in colour. Nose is med+ intensity, showing stewed plums, black currents, mocha, vanilla bean, raspberry jam, white pepper and nutmeg. On the palate this a full body wine showing medium minus acidity and tannins, and hence lacking in structure. The high alcohol on the after taste lends itself to some heat, but it also has a fairly long length to it. The notes on the palate are the same as on the nose. This wine is medium complex that pairs well with roasted peppers, but will challenge most foods due to the high alcohol and lack of structure, so enjoy it on a summer night by the fire.
Tasted: 24 April 2011
Score: 8/10, Value: 8/10, Total: 16/20
Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine 3.5

Let's use this as a learning experience: If you have yet to try a wine that is 'hot', here is your chance and I encourage you to do so. This nose shows a mix of red and black stewed fruit with a hint of cinnamon which is actually not bad. Once this one rolls across your palate however, the heat sensation created by the high degree of alcohol is almost overbearing and disguises any potential for enjoyment. The good news is that after a half hour or so in the glass, the heat begins to fade and the wine is indeed recognizable as Shiraz. Decant 1-2 hrs before serving. Northof9finewine, April 2011