Ranked #3 of 20 2009 Shiraz from Coonawarra
93/100
4.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Deep, dark, concentrated red/purple colour. Sweet, ripe blackberry aromas, some anise and spice, with a warm, rich, slightly licoricey palate and lashings of tannin. The oak is unobtrusive. Big, full-bodied wine with density and flesh and super-ripe flavours, not that detailed at this stage, nor subtle, but bold and rich. A wine of generous proportions.
Tasted: 07/07/2012
Drink: 2014 to 2029
96 Points James Halliday
Good purple-crimson; the excellent bouquet is a classy opening, but this wine is all about structure, mouthfeel and length; the blackberry, plum, spice and mulberry flavours are folded in quality French oak. Will be a classic. Drink to 2040.
Source: James Halliday. February, 2012
96 Points Tyson Stelzer
This is a dashingly refined and pristine Michael, a wine of resolute definition and substantial longevity, exemplifying Coonawarra shiraz of the highest order. Layers of complexity ripple with expressive blackberry and deep-set plum fruits, pristine black pepper, sizzling pan juices, roast game and a backdrop of milk chocolate oak. It uncoils to reveal a breathtaking expanse of lifted violet perfume and black plum fruit, riding on ultra-fine, textural tannins. For all of Michael’s intensity, the classic 2009 season keeps him resolutely medium-bodied and relaxed. 1 August 2012 release. Drink 2024 - 2034.
Source: Tyson Stelzer, Wine Taste.