JM 1ST APPROACH

Medium crimson-purple; the plush red berry fruit and oak aromas lead into a multi-layered textural palate, with plum and more savoury fruit set within the subtle French and American oak in which the wine was matured. This is indeed a serious merlot at a laughable price. 92 points James Halliday Top 100 Wines

.... It’s got all the engineering to go the distance: beautifully textured tannins, enlivened by the naturally vibrant acidity of this lofty site. 2012 is the most complete Mike Press Shiraz to date: concentrated, confident, mesmerisingly persistent, and at every moment refined and graceful. Drink:  2017-2022  94   points  Tyson Tselzer
Forget ratings, forget hype: this is the best shiraz Mike Press has released under his own name. Easily.
It’s thick and sweet-fruited and more authoritative than any previous release. It has some presence ...Dense plum, a lift of cherry, substantial vanillin oak and juicy acidity. The recipe is simple but density and purity of flavour is not. If you enjoy this style of wine, this is the release to stock up on. In Mike Press Shiraz terms, it is ‘the one’. 94 points Winefront.com.au

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

A bright brick red colour with crimson highlights. The palate is complex and alluring, combining dark berry fruit and blueberries with underbrush and hints of chocolate and toasted coffee. The palate is rich and fruit driven with Barbera’s vibrant berry flavours matched by the savoury tobacco leaf and fine tannins of Nebbiolo.

A 'mini' Barolo, for this price? Unbelievable ... yet true. Stock up, I have! Gavin Trott

Water white and fresh as. Shot with granny smith apples, lime drops and lemon zest, with a juicy middle and soft, clean finish. Drink right away.

Green pear, citrus, apricot kernel and a few dried herbs, but perhaps ‘cooly fruity’ is a good way to describe it. It’s clean and refreshing with excellent fruit purity and a little bit of ‘mineral’, perhaps there’s a touch of sweetness to round out  and balance, but feels pretty much dry and pulls that way with its gently herbal and sparkling finish. Well, maybe not ultra-complex, but so good to drink. 91 points Winefront.com.au