The Wine Front – Necessity is the mother of invention. In 1993 Tim Adams was desperately short of shiraz and cabernet so his neighbour, Fergus Mahon, sold him some grenache to keep him ticking over. Hence The Fergus blend was born, and has been made ever since. This release includes tempranillo and malbec, all of which is dry-grown. Its usual reliable self. There was a time when I wasn’t a great fan of The Fergus but we’ve moved on from there in recent years. It’s well-balanced, fleshy, not too light and not too heavy. It’s red berried with star anise, cola and gum leaf highlights. It’s a well tailored red, perfect for casual drinking.

World Wine – Langton’s Classification VI: Excellent. The intensely-perfumed and muscular Aberfeldy Shiraz reflects the character of vineyard site as much as the personality of winemaker Tim Adams. The 1.6 hectare Aberfeldy Vineyard includes a large proportion of dry-grown, colonial vine stock planted by Wendouree’s Alfred Percy Birks in 1904. This ancient genetic material produces large berries and very high seed content. Vinification takes place in closed fermenters and is followed by 24 months maturation in new American oak. The rich, buoyant and spicy Aberfeldy Shiraz is a deeply-concentrated, opulent style with blackberry aromas, malty/cedary oak and a firm tannin kick. The underlying muscularity of structure is reminiscent of the Wendouree style.

The Wine Front – Blackberry and blueberry, spice and aniseed, a lick of vanilla. Full bodied, but kind of smooth with it, dark chocolate and black olives, balanced acidity, and deep fleshy tannin rolling onto the finish. Richness of fruit, grounded by the earthiness of Kay’s. It’s entirely convincing, and good.

James Halliday – "An incredibly dense and luxuriant palate grabs all the attention; how this has been achieved with 14% alcohol is anyone's guess, but I'm not disposed to argue, because the outcome is a totally serendipitous, supple, full-bodied shiraz replete with dark Swiss chocolate wrapped around luscious black fruits." Halliday Wine Companion '16

James Halliday – "97 points, one of the Best of the Best by Variety + Special Value"

World Wine – Leesy and ginger notes frame pear and light herbal flavors in this bright, balanced white. Features a polished texture and firm acidity. The finish is spicy and long.

The Wine Front – "Pleasing symmetry between price and vine age. This 2017 is made from 125 year old vines. 746 dozen is the total production. I’d have Block 6 in my list of the greatest Australian Shiraz. I’ll offer that 2017 was a curious vintage for McLaren Vale reds, they’re a bit different, but high quality all the same. It’s just above medium bodied, but feels dense and compact in tannin. Blackberry, aniseed, subtle toasty oak, sage and floral perfume. It has what you might call a ‘coolness’ to it, distinct umami flavour also laden with spice. That usual ironstone and crushed rock sort of character you may find in Block 6 is there too. Finish is long, and the tannin brings it home. Wonderful character and vinous integrity. It’s a little different, yet typical." 95+ Points - Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, October 2019, Drink: 2022 - 2038+

James Halliday – Clones MV6, 777 and 114, 30% whole bunch fermentation and maceration, matured for 12 months in 1-3yo French barriques. Packs a punch with dark berries/stewed plums, spices and ripe tannins. Obviously picked when ripe, not too late. Its best years are in front of it.

James Halliday – "Deep olive brown; dense spice, plum pudding and raisin aromas; utterly exceptional intensity and length; altogether in another dimension; while based upon some very old wine, is as fresh as a daisy". 100 points, James Halliday, March 2019.

World Wine –

James Suckling – 'Like 100 Christmases in the one glass'. 100 points, James Suckling.

Decanter – Platinum Award Winner

The Wine Front – Lemon, lemongrass, bath powder. Soft and well-rounded, but with a clip of juicy lime acidity to straighten it up, a slight slaty/chalky feel, and a clean crunchy finish of good length. Great glass of wine. Good now too.

The Wine Front – Released as a five-year-old. I find most 'museum releases' of Australian riesling quite disappointing, on the whole, which I understand is not part of the accepted or common wisdom. This wine though justifies the (reserve) tag and the (hold back from release) treatment. It's alive with scent, feels textural and (relatively) rich, and has a tonne of sizzle though the finish.

James Halliday – "96 points" "From the Jenner Vineyard, only free-run juice (500l per tonne) used, traditional vinification with neutral yeast, cool fermentation and early to bottle. Still in its primary phase, fresh and vibrant, still pale in colour; that said, it has intensity and prodigious length. There can be no question about its future, with some honey just peeping around the corner, toast still far away. Irresistible, especially at this price."

The Wine Front – 70/30 blend of Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. All into French oak. Most of us would be familiar with the red wines of Tim Adams. If you’ve liked any of his reds in the past, you will enjoy this release plenty. It’s absolutely typical, in a good way. Plenty of dark berried fruit, not too complicated, not simple either. Supple but a firm frame. Feels like cabernet, complete with herbal edges, but feels ripe and generous too. Minty. Floral. Clean. In a very good place.

James Halliday –