Pokolbin Estate Shiraz Reserve

Medium colour, dark crimson, dark but not black core. Dry, slightly bland aroma, dried berries, hay, white pepper. Dark berries, dark chocolate, asparagus, dried spice. Dry tannin but not grippy. I’m a bit disappointed, it’s not bad but not great either. Given its price point I was expecting more. I am sure I enjoyed it more several years ago. Possibly requires more time decanting.

Dirty black crimson colour. Dry, spicy aroma of dried herbs, stewed Plum, cigar box. Plum, milk chocolate, Fine persistent tannin, mulberry. Sweet fruit much more evident on the second night, it was a bit sharp on the first night. Balanced acidity. It definitely needs the extra time to develop, comes out smooth, sweet and well balanced. Medium to full body, medium body. I really wish I had a full bottle tasting like this last glass. I really need to learn …

Dark red colour with little or no hue. Aroma of pepper and spice, bark and ash. Plum, blackcurrant, cocoa, eucalyptus to finish. Fine dry tannin, medium plus body. Balanced acidity. Good use of oak, not overly fruity but good body and plenty of character. Can probably last a while but don't think it will get much better.

Hunter Whistlestop - the road less travelled #5 (Hunter Valley) : Quite blackcurrant, ripe, backed by cream, toast and vanilla. More of the same on the palate, concentrated but with dense tight tannic grip. Fruit persists, a little overblown for me.

Ruby colour with crimson hue. Smooth and pleasant to the point of non-descript. Light bodied, plum and light spice. Fine light tannin, balanced low acidity. Nothing disagreeable with the wine but nothing standing out either. Disappointing reserve Shiraz for Pokolbin Estate, they normally have more body and personality. Might be an unlucky bottle, but for $40 a bottle at members prices, certainly not value for money.

Definitely needs breathing time. Vibrant dark Crimson colour. Mushroom, bacon, tar aroma. Mulberry, Raspberry and plum, olive. A complex medium body, classic hunter Shiraz. Very fine tannin, sits in the front of the pallette. Smooth finish but slightly bitter aftertaste.