Ranked #2 of 33 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz from Barossa Valley
92/100
4 Stars
Huon Hooke
Nutmeg spice, shirazzy nose and some oak peeps through. Big rich, dense, tightly packed, fleshy and loaded with ripe lovely fruit. Shiraz dominant. Remarkably smart for the year.
Tasted: 27/09/2007
Drink: N/A
91 Points Robert Parker
An impressive effort is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz, primarily sourced from the Barossa, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek appellations, it was aged 14 months in large oak vats. A beautiful deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of bay leaves, black currant liqueur, smoked herbs, roasted meats, and hints of soy and licorice. This big, chewy, solid, rich Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. About 20% new American oak hogsheads was used in its evolution.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. October, 2006
93 Points James Halliday
Good hue; medium-bodied, complex blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, chocolate, spice and vanilla, the whole works; will richly repay cellaring if the cork permits. Very good outcome for a challenging vintage. Drink to 2018.
James Halliday. November, 2021
An impressive effort is the 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz Bin 389. A blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon and 48% Shiraz, primarily sourced from the Barossa, Padthaway, McLaren Vale, and Langhorne Creek appellations, it was aged 14 months in large oak vats. A beautiful deep ruby/purple color is followed by sweet aromas of bay leaves, black currant liqueur, smoked herbs, roasted meats, and hints of soy and licorice. This big, chewy, solid, rich Cabernet is ideal for drinking over the next 7-8 years. About 20% new American oak hogsheads was used in its evolution. Source: Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) October, 2006 by Robert Parker