JM 1ST APPROACH

A 92/8% blend that spent 17 months in new and used French oak from topflight coopers; the crimson colour leads into a bouquet and palate with blackcurrant and cassis to the fore; the oak adds to both texture and flavour, but it is the lifted fruit on the finish that really puts the stamp of quality on the wine. 94 points James Halliday

Dark red to black colour. The nose shows raspberry, aniseed, tar, cola, vanilla cream, rosemary, sage and menthol. The palate has layers of liquered red fruits and complex, supple tannins. The sweeter fruits and glycerols seem to completely coat the tannins underneath. drink now or up to 10 years. 13.7% Alcohol

Deep crimson red of good intensity and vibrant hue. Intense berry fruits, cassis and chocolate mint character notes with background cedar like oak. Medium bodied, this wine shows a vibrant and lively fruit driven palate with a fleshy middle and soft mature ripe tannin.

WOW, power and intensity from the west. From the area renowned for cabernet sauvignon, shiraz lives in the shadows, but should never be ignored. Earthy, tobacco and dark fruits give this wine a brooding intensity. Juicy blackberry and plum, coffee and dry, intensely gripping tannin add some real punch. Firm, youthful and very bold, this is attractive on many levels. This is worth finding. Value: Excellent Food: Roast beef Rating: 4/5 Tony Love