Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A lot of spice, violet and dried-woody aromas and some leather and tobacco, as well as a core of bright blue fruit. The palate has terrific, fine, supple, long and dense tannin and carries a supple and even-paced, long and complete finish. Such effortlessly powerful structure here and striking blueberry and plum flavors. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 J.R.O. Afflatus Single Vineyard Shiraz presents aromas of crushed cassis and wild blueberries with underlying cedar, yeast extract and Provencal herb nuances. Medium to full-bodied, it is very youthful and tightly knit in the mouth with a firm backbone of chewy tannins, medium to high acid and a long finish.
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Wine Enthusiast
Produced from one of the original vineyards purchased by the Osborne family, this is medium to full bodied, with ample blackberry fruit framed by shadings of espresso and ground black pepper. The finish lingers, picking up hints of mocha and black olive. Drink now–2025.
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Wine Spectator
Hard-edged, with rocklike tannins around an aromatic core of black currant and licorice flavors, persisting impressively as the finish opens up.
Marked by an unmistakable deep purple hue and savory aromatics, Syrah makes an intense, powerful and often age-worthy red. Native to the Northern Rhône, Syrah achieves its maximum potential in the steep village of Hermitage and plays an important component in the Red Rhône Blends of the south, adding color and structure to Grenache and Mourvèdre. Syrah is the most widely planted grape of Australia and is important in California and Washington. Sommelier Secret—Such a synergy these three create together, the Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre trio often takes on the shorthand term, “GSM.”
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.