"A colossal effort and very much in keeping with the style produced by the owner/winemaker Chris Ringland, the 1996 Shiraz (only 100 cases produced) is made from 90-year old vines. Following malolactic fermentation in cask, it spent 40 months in new oak prior to being bottled unfiltered. This is arguably the greatest Shiraz made in Australia, but sadly, there is little of it.

This viscous, black/purple-colored wine represents the essence of both wine and Shiraz. With impeccable balance, uncanny as well as unreal levels of concentration, yet perfectly integrated tannin, acidity, alcohol, and wood, it is akin to a dry vintage port. Once past the explosive bouquet of creme de cassis, espresso, melted fudge, and graphite, this massive yet seamless wine offers layers of unctuously-textured flavors crammed with blackberries, smoke, charcoal, and currants. The finish lasts for 70+ seconds.

The wine should prove to be immortal, lasting for 30-50 years, but who is going to wait that long to unleash the magic? This is compelling stuff! I just wish there were ten times the quantity produced. Kudos to Chris Ringland for this ultimate Australian blockbuster Shiraz. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2040."

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate # 135 June 2001