Deep, bright red/purple colour. There are walnutty oak derived hints, with an element of black pepper, while the palate is sinewy and firm, drying and tight, with a firm thread of tannin running throughout its length. It's very bright and lively and has a long future, although it drinks well already.
Huon Hooke

From nine vineyards, numerous separate ferments (some open, some sweeping arm fermenters), 20% whole bunches (in total), after 11 months in mainly French oak, a barrel selection was returned to barrel for a further 8 months. The move to French oak is good, but in the final analysis there was too much oak for the fruit.

This has good concentration and depth of fruit with hearty red plums and blackberries laced in cedary, sweetly spiced oak. The palate has a succulent, juicy core of spicy dark plums and blackberries. Smooth tannins and plenty of wood through to the finish.