Glass-staining ruby. Smoke- and spice-accented black and blue fruits, incense, potpourri, vanilla and pipe tobacco qualities on the hugely expressive, finely detailed nose. Palate-staining cherry-vanilla, blackcurrant preserve, chewing tobacco and fruitcake flavors show impressive depth and are lifted and sharpened by a spine of smoky minerality. Gains flesh and weight with air while retaining energy and finishes alluringly sweet and extremely long, with supple, slow-mounting tannins adding discreet grip.

Polarising vintage because of heavy rain on 14–15 February in the Barossa. 82% Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon (average vine age 20 years), 18% Barossa Shiraz (average vine age 41 years). Matured for 20 months in French barriques, 40% new. Lustrous deep purplish crimson. Lovely, sumptuous nose. Polished and sleek. Long. (JR)