"A change in personnel has brought a pleasing change in winemaking approach to this highly rated but still emergent young McLaren Vale label. Despite its typical concentration and richness, there's a vivacious brightness to its brambly, spicy dark fruit and it keeps well on the smart side of over-oaking or portiness. Its luxuriantly deep, dark, liqueur chocolate palate can't conceal a smoky oak influence, while its tannins are as fine as they are firm. (18.3, Drink 2004-2007+)" 95 pts, Jeremy Oliver's On Wine, 02.01.01

"Impressive is the 1999 Shiraz Reserve, a 1,100-case cuvee aged 14 months in new American oak. The wine is a dense purple color, with a sweet, almost blackberry liqueur nose, and smoke, licorice, and oak in the background. Jammy and rich, with huge body, good purity, adequate acidity, and a long finish, this is an impressive, surprisingly large-scaled 1999. It should age well for 10-16 years."  92 pts, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2001.

"Dense, deep and seductive for its plush texture and massive blackberry, blueberry and plum flavors--all of which pull together on the generous finish. Best from 2003 through 2011. 1,100 cases made. (HS)"  91 pts, The Wine Spectator, Jul. 31, 2001.