JM 1ST APPROACH

OZ WINE REVIEW Andrew Graham, OCT 2011 “… dense liquorice, chocolate fudge, dark berries and just a little alcohol lift. It’s a very solid, rich and concentrated nose, perhaps a little obvious for some but that obviousness is more just regional character to me. The palate too is utterly Vale derived, with more chocolate fudge-mocha rich fruit and oak, built full bodied, rich and decadent with that lovely tarry/red berried middle that the Vale does so well. Long, even, ripe and powerful….”

– a slot car race of a palate. Length is excellent too. Looking good now, but with more shiny bits to come in the future. If you like your Balnaves, then this is an excellent release. Rated : 94+ Points Winefront.com.au

The strong purple-crimson colour signals no problems yet, the rich bouquet and medium- to full-bodied palate bursting with intense, perfectly ripened blackcurrant fruit; despite 19 months in quality French oak, it is this fruit, and the well-weighted tannins, which are the primary drivers. 95 points James Halliday

Tannin of muscular density and grip - authoritative but not over-bearing. They'll stand this beautifully blue and black fruited wine in good stead for many a year. There's soft and subtle vanilla oak, a little spice, and some of that regional and/or vineyard derived ironstone character that I find so appealing. Chocolate and licorice with air, though it's the depth of fruit married to impressive structure that's the thing here. A mighty wine. Needs some time yet, but what a future. Rated : 94+ Points. Drink : 2014 - 2030

It's medium to full bodied, crunchy fresh and cool, expressive and juicily vibrant with tannin that bobs and weaves, and fans out on the long finish. Almost like a Pinot Noir in some respects, but not. But gee it's good though. Drinking it makes you feel like interesting things are happening, somewhere out there in the world. Rating : 95 Points Drink : 2014 - 2030

A little Szechuan pepper, licorice,black and blue fruits, thyme and mountain herbs. It sports a set of rugged, manly tannin, fresh acidity and plenty of chew and interest. Briary. Authentic. Balanced. You just know drinking it makes you more handsome - boys and girls alike. Roger that Roger. Rated : 94 Points Drink: 2012 - 2022+ Winefront.com.au