Craiglee, Shiraz, Sunbury

Probably still a little early but good drinking. I think it will improve with age. Good acidity. Pepper and spice and a little oak. Cooler climate style - unlike a typical barossa style. Medium body and medium length. Tannins well integrated.

Moncur Syrah/Shiraz (Bistro Moncur, Sydney) : Juicy black fruits with a little savoury reductive note, tiny touches of menthol and minerality. Juicy, dark hued fruit is concentrated, plenty of talcy tannins, fruit persists, oak well managed, simple, S'okay.

I had one bottle and a magnum of this vintage so decided to see how it was travelling in the 750ml size. This was a warm vintage at Craiglee, and that is evident in the fullness of body of the wine and alc/vol level. A bit atypical of the more normally fine-boned and svelte Craiglee style, this wine still has a remarkably youthful colour for its age. On the nose there is a sense of ripeness yet savouriness, with notes …

Cork was in great condition with stain only going a few mm. Redish/Purple with light sediment. Though label says 14.5%alc, this tasted a whole lot lighter. Hints of burnt oak, black pepper & Kalamata olives. Definitely in its drinking window with still a few more years to go.

Was not expecting this to be as fresh and bright. Quite a surprise...in a good way.

Black fruits, black pepper, Boot polish, bacon savoury finish, wow. Great gear.

Tannins resolved, but alcohol warmth distracting. Cherry liquer, a big whack of aniseed. Pepper. Medium bodied, fresh and primary and will live a very long time yet. A big wine and not for the faint hearted. High quality cork barely stained. Day 2: way too much alcohol heat.

Very good, although showing age. A bit spice, yet fruity and balanced.

Intense aroma super ripe black fruit, blackberry jam, fig compote, baking spices (all spice,) black pepper, indian spice (cardamom), and great balance on the palate between assertive acidity, ripe fruit, and structured tannins. Focused long finish.

Appearance: Bright and clear, it has medium ruby color, with fading rims and legs. Nose: Clean, with medium intensity aromas of black fruit such as blackcurrant, bilberry and blackberry, oak notes of vanilla, kernel notes of chocolate, sweet spice of clove, dairy notes of butter, pungent spice of licorice, maturity notes of mushroom. The wine is developing. Palate: Dry with medium acidity, medium (+) tannin of ripe and a bit powdery on texture, with medium (+) alcohol and full body, …

Another beautiful Craiglee. Purple/red colour. Aromas of blackberries, dark cherry, pepper, earth and Italian herbs. Similar in the mouth, but also with a bit of licorice. Great length and balance. These really make ideal food wines - just so well balanced to complement anything from duck to game to red meat.

At 15 years of age, this wine is really showing well. Apart from some sediment, there are minimal signs of its age on appearance, which is garnet in colour. There is a beautiful roundness and sweetness to the nose - small black berries, pepper, spice, licorice and hints of worn leather. Although quite savoury on the palate, there is a plushness that invites you in. Tannins are quite smooth, but remain slightly powdery and there is a nice line of …

Very good with grilled pork tenderloin medallions. Great black fruit and restraint on the oak.

From a warmer year this displays classic cracked black pepper, licorice and raspberry. Lovely balance, ripeness and structure. Lovely bright fresh acidity, the hallmarks of Craiglee Shiraz. Though very primary and difficult to gauge, this should be drinking-up a storm in 2025. Respect Mr Carmody - about the nicest and proudest cardigan wearing artisan you could hope to meet.