JM 1ST APPROACH

Bright, clear purple-crimson; the lower alcohol pays dividends with the more elegant and intense profile of the fruit flavours and the persistent high quality tannins of the kind you find in Bordeaux in a good vintage. Especially impressive for ancient mariners such as myself. 94 points James Halliday

Its a greatly compelling proposition. ..... a stint in the cellar wil only do it good. I don't know how they keep the price so low, I really don't. Wine Companion

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

Yalumba The Scribbler 2010 opens with a lift of raspberries, sweet spices and licorice followed by the fresh aromatics of herbs and crushed plums. This is a beautifully polished wine of medium to full body. The Cabernet Sauvignon structure defines the palate with the Shiraz cascading generously through the middle.

Light red with pink and purple hues. Fresh strawberries and rose blossom mingle deliciously on the nose with hints of toffee apple. Juicy summer berries tantalise the taste buds with the raspberry lolly sweetness balanced nicely with zingy and zesty acidity which transforms into a crisp Granny Smith apple finish.

.... It is a blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc (the proportions vary from year to year) with quite exceptional colour, and is absolutely full to the gills with juicy cassis blackcurrant fruit, fine, ripe tannins and quality French oak in abundance. It's way better than the 2009 and, indeed, one of the best 'The Blends' to date. 95 poins James Halliday

Crunchy black- and redcurrants are on show, edged with blackcurrant bud, green capsicum and leaf. The palate rides a taut backbone of cool vintage, high altitude acidity, supported by subtle dark chocolate and coffee oak. Fruit-focused tannins are finely structured, well matched to the gentle demeanour of the vintage, yet with a presence and command that promise confidence in the cellar. As always, it’s too young on release and screams out for a vigorous decant. 92 points Tyson Tselzer