Annie's Lane, Copper Trail Shiraz, Clare Valley

Purple and black fruit on nose which leaped from glass. Dark garnet in color. Plum, black raspberry, mint, leather on palate. Medium long finish with fruit persisting until end. When returning to glass after 30 minutes or so, one is left with a long sweet fruit finish that lingers. Very likely to be at its peak. Well enjoyed by all in tasting group.

Screw cap, a good amount of sediment, decanted Two hours. Clare fruit most evident, blackcurrant, moderate tannins now almost fully absorbed with a good amount of acidity holding on. No pepper to speak of, more savoury spice, distinctly Australian with a nice balancing touch of earthiness and garrigue.

Deep intense fruit with earth, leather and spice. Well balanced and very pleasant. This wine has not declined.

had sat in cellar from release - upon opening, seemed stewed and dead to the world. (I opened a bottle of something else as a safety.) Then, after an hour, the sweetness of fresh fruit emerged: dark red and black fruits, sweet tannins, moderate acidity, succulent, with a light charcoal wisp. A bit short on the finish but thoroughly enjoyable. Fulfilled the promise I saw in its youth. A lovely drink.

Fully mature. Secondary character showing. Has aged gracefully. Got better with air. Balanced and not jammy - I would venture to say this is an elegant wine.

Wine of the day at MoCool 2013 in Ann Arbour. Multilayered complex, earthy, Cote Roti was phenominal.

Big mouthful of bold red stone fruit with spicy earth underlaying the fruit. The spice and leather last longer on the palate than the fruit, and the 14% ethanol does not overwhelm the other favors. Very pleasant and enjoyable.

NobleRottersSydney - Fosters new releases (Guillaume at Bennelong) : [cork, 14%} There’s not much typical Clare menthol fruit in the 2000 vintage offering. Instead it’s a mass of sweet jubey red fruit. The palate is fresh, bold and clean, and also quite light, despite the 14% alcohol. Ultimately chalky tannins arrive to dominate the fruit which feels a bit weak to ever poke it’s way through the furry forest. An OK wine, but not memorable.