"Generous, approachable, uncomplicated fruit-driven wine with intense cassis/blueberry fruit bordering on jammy. Lightly gluey note to cedar/vanilla and chocolate oak, hints of meat and treacle. (18.0, drink 2004-2008)"  96 pts, Jeremy Oliver, jeremyoliver.com.au, 04.01.01.

"Dense purple, very good for age; there is a distinct change in the character of the bouquet, with more savoury notes, and it is difficult to feel where the fruit stops and the oak starts. The answer comes on the palate; in relative terms, this is a fruit-driven - well, more fruit driven - wine than all others, with scented raspberry, chocolate, licorice, and black cherry fruit. The first of the Eileens to be matured in 100 per cent French oak, which certainly makes a contribution. Drink 2011"  94 pts, James Halliday, tasted May 99.

"The outstanding 1996 Shiraz Eileen Hardy reveals a saturated ruby/purple color as well as a big, sweet nose of American oak, blackberry jam, tar, and spice. Opulent and viscous, with a full-bodied, layered palate, this cleanly made, chewy, rich Shiraz should be drunk over the next 5-10 years."  90 pts, Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, June 2001.

"Smooth and broad, distinctive for the herbal, vegetal notes swirling around the basic blackberry and spice flavors. Not for all tastes, but a red with real personality and style. Best from 2000 through 2010. 4,000 cases made. (HS)"  The Wine Spectator, Nov. 15, 1999.