93 Points Robert Parker
The proprietary blend of 70% Grenache (80-year old vines), 25% Shiraz, and 5% Mourvedre, the 1999 The Ironstone Pressings was produced from yields of .5 tons per acre. It is a fabulously serious, concentrated effort with a dense ruby/purple color, great intensity, and a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur intermixed with blackberry, kirsch, and pepper characteristics. Opulent and seamless, with layers of flavor, this classic effort can be drunk now and over the next 18 years.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. October, 2002
90 Points James Halliday
Medium red-purple; the bouquet has spotlessly clean and fresh red berry fruit, the expected tannins not making their appearance on the palate until the finish. Does need time to knit and soften, but is sufficiently balanced for that process to yield a fine wine. Drink to 2009.
Source: James Halliday. October, 2001
88 Points The Innocent Dingo
Dark red to opaque purple in colour ..It is a well made wine and whilst I have had a handful of enjoyable bottles over the years I don't think this wine has any more improving to do..It is still a nice, aged GSM with impressive complexity and a powerful finish but the lashings of fragrant Grenache are now dominating and threatening to fall out balance.. Drank with hospital beef stroganoff which may have tainted the experience somewhat. Drink Now
June, 2011