Tasting
notes and reviews from previous releases of Tatiarra's wines are
archived on this page for historical purposes.
A journal of photographs which have previously appeared on the pages of
the site are also assembled here as a visual record of the vineyards
development.
TATIARRA
CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ
2002 TATIARRA
CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ TASTING NOTE: The grapes for this wine
were cropped at 1.6 tonnes per acre, producing a wine of immense power
and concentration. Totally opaque black purple colour. It would be
impossible to extract any more colour from Shiraz. Magnificent nose of
liquorice, plum, spice and blackberry over a very distinctive black
pepper end note. The palate flavours are powerful, forceful yet
completely balanced. Layers of blackberries, black pepper, liquorice,
plums and spice are overlayed with cedar and vanilla. The tannins are
distinctive, assertive but perfectly necessary to support the volumes
of fruit that lay abundant on the palate. Exceptionally long aftertaste
of liquorice, spice and black pepper. Cellar 15-20 years (2018-2023)
Alc./Vol.15.5%
Robert Parker's
Review: The beautiful 2002 Shiraz Cambrian First
Release, produced from yields of 1.3 tons of fruit per acre and aged 18
months in new French oak, reveals aromas of lavender, dusty earth,
sweet black currants, and blackberries. With a gorgeous texture, full
body, and wonderful ripeness as well as length, this impressive Shiraz
should hit its prime in 2-4 years, and age for 12-15. (Notes Sourced
from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155) ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 91
points
2003
TATIARRA CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ
TASTING NOTE: Totally opaque black purple colour with black purple hue.
The nose is a superb sniffing experience, with top note of violets,
followed by blackberry, cedar, raspberry and blackcurrant. The palate
structure is exquisite, refined, yet powerful. Flavours of white pepper
explode over layers of blackberry, raspberry, plum, violet infusions
and cedar. Fine quite dry tannins – the driest of the 2003 Tatiarra
wines, yet perfectly balanced to the finish. Exceptional length and
noteworthy long aftertaste of blackcurrant, blackpepper and spice.
Cellar 20+ years (2024+) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
ROBERT PARKER'S
REVIEW:A barrel sample of the 2003 Shiraz Cambrian
reveals marvelous raw materials, combining both power and elegance. It
should evolve into a multidimensional wine. ROBERT PARKER'S
RATING: (91-93)
-
(Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
2004 TATIARRA
CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ
The colour is a complete saturate of black purple - a common feature of
the entire collection and indicative of the intense flavour profiles
that follow. Roll the wine around in the glass and the walls become
instantly stained with a deep purple hue that just clings. The nose is
perfumed and powerful, with violet top notes, followed by spice, black
cherries, concentrated blackberries and cedar. The palate is a total
explosion - vinous G forces hit every corner of the mouth, with intense
layers of spice, blackberry and black pepper, overlaid with cedar and
plum. The tannins are evident, but almost unperceivable, given the
intensity of the fruit. The balance is perfect and the oral explosion
continues well into the aftertaste. An extraordinary wine.
Cellar: 20 years (2025+) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
Further comments... "...if
you are a Clos Rougeard meets Lagrein meets Hermitage meets 1955 La
Mission Haut Brion sort of person then this is for you...This is a
painful experience of acid, complexity, cherry rock and masculine
traits that will push aside the uninitiated back to their gentler South
Australian experiments. A megalith waiting to unfold...One of the very
best wines produced in 2004 anywhere in Australia...For the money the
Cambrian has to be one of the most complex and complete wines made in
Australia today. THE HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION."
-
(Notes sourced from Garagiste, Seatle U.S.A.)
2005
TATIARRA CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ
Totally
opaque black purple colour, a total saturation, with a deep black
purple cling to the walls of the glass. Magnificent nose – delivering a
superb sniffing experience, immediately recognisable as great Heathcote
Shiraz. Perfumed violet top note, with flavours of blackberry,
liquorice, spice, cedar and very pronounced black pepper. The palate is
an explosion – it would seem impossible to deliver more concentration
of flavour. Intense layers of blackberry, cedar, black pepper,
liquorice and black cherries, with the kind of power and persistence
that are occasionally found in the very great bottles of Pinot Noir.
The tannins are persistent, but they are fine and perfectly balanced.
Exceptionally long aftertaste which lasts for minutes.
Cellar 15-20 years (2016-2026) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2006 TATIARRA
CAMBRIAN SHIRAZ As
with previous vintages, this wine is a saturate of colour- black purple
with black purple hue – a hallmark of all Tatiarra wines. Superb lifted
nose of cedar, vanilla, violets and freshly crushed blackberry followed
by spice and nuances of liquorice. A seamless explosion of flavours
with black and white pepper melting into blackberry, violet infusions
and liquorice allsorts. Perfectly balanced with fine velvet tannins.
Exceptional length and depth with very long aftertaste lasting for
minutes. A triumph for the viticultural and wine making team. Cellar
10-12 years (2017-2019) Alc/Vol: 15.5% 98 POINTS -
www.nicks.com.au
Further comments...
Over the last five vintages I’ve bestowed every possible accolade on
this wine that I could muster - it is what it is: one of the greatest
wines in the world. We pioneered this wine in the US 4-5 years ago (in
The Big Australian Review) and I’m happy to see it has earned the
respect it so dooly deserves - from the toughest critics: you. The 2006
vintage is in very limited supply (only a few retailers will have the
2006 as compared to previous vintages) and it will probably be the most
admired of the Cambrian series for its sheer wall of rock personality
(I think there are only 100 cases of the 2006 coming to the US - as
opposed to several thousand for something like Grange so take note).
Very Highly Recommended as one of the greatest wines produced in the
world
Where the Pressings has more of a round character within the wall of
rock, this is just plain stone-faced with an elegance that is like
Margaux of Shiraz - it should age for a long time. Think 2005 Cambrian
mixed with something like Palmer and you will be close. An incredible
achievement for any wine producing region of the world.
- Jon Rimmerman, Garagiste Seattle, Washinton, USA.
...The
2006 Cambrian Shiraz is a glass-coating purple color. It delivers an
expressive perfume of spice box, pepper, blueberry, and blackberry.
Made in a racy, elegant style, it has layers of ripe fruit, superb
concentration, and enough structure to evolve for 5-7 years. Rating
(92-95) - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #173 - Jay Miller
2002
TATIARRA ‘CARAVAN OF DREAMS’ SHIRAZ PRESSINGS
TASTING NOTE: Totally opaque black purple colour. Magnificent nose -
one that heralds a wine of enormous concentration. Vanilla, violets,
inky blackberry and distinct blackpepper fill the nostrils. The palate
structure is monumental - another 'Duck Muck' with total concentrate of
Shiraz. The blackpepper characteristics are very pronounced and are
followed by strong liquorice and blackberry concentrate. The texture is
velvet smooth, yet followed by very firm yet quite in order perfectly
balanced tannins. Exceptionally long aftertaste. A giant
wine. Cellar 10-15+ years (2013-2018) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
Robert Parker's Review: The 2002 Shiraz
Pressings offers a gorgeous nose of flowers, black fruits, and minerals
as well as medium to full body, and fine intensity, balance, and depth.
Anticipated maturity: 2005-2014.
(Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 91+
2003
TATIARRA ‘CARAVAN OF DREAMS’ SHIRAZ PRESSINGS
TASTING NOTE: Matured entirely in new AP Johns American oak. The wine
is made from the pressings of Cambrian Shiraz. Totally opaque black
purple colour, with deep black purple hue. Superb nose - a wine of
explosive power and concentration is expected. Powerful notes of
violets, spice, blackberry, plums and vanilla fill the head. The palate
explodes - a monumental statement of concentration, surpassing even
last years formidable wine. Flavours of black pepper, ripe plums,
spice, blackberry, violets, confectionary, vanilla and liquorice
allsorts creates a totally encompassing wine. Fine dry tannins, with
remarkable balance for a wine of such concentration. Extraordinary
length and aftertaste.
Cellar 10-15 years (2014 -2019) Alc/Vol: 15.5% Further comments... "The
greatest wine ever imported by Epicurean & potentially one of
the greatest wines ever produced in Australia..." - Garagiste, USA. ROBERT PARKER'S REVIEW: The 2003 Shiraz
Pressings is among the finest Shiraz wines I have ever tasted from
Heathcote. A brilliant effort cropped at 2.2 tons of fruit per acre,
and aged 18 months in 90% French and 10% American oak, its opaque
purple color is accompanied by a sweet, voluptuous mid-palate and a
huge finish. This outstanding 2003 should age well for 10-15 years.
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: (94-96)
-
(Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
2004
TATIARRA ‘CARAVAN OF DREAMS’ SHIRAZ PRESSINGS
The colour is again a saturate of black and purple which clings to the
walls of the glass, creating the impression of stained glass. Superb
lifted nose of blackberry concentrate, black cherry, vanilla and spice.
Like the Cambrian Shiraz, from which the pressings wine is derived,
this wine delivers an explosive powerhouse of flavour and force. Big,
velvet texture and monumental flavour profile. Flavours of liquorice
allsorts, vanilla, spice, blackberry and plum are overlaid with black
and white pepper. Exceptionally long palate and aftertaste. A TRIUMPH.
Cellar: 10-15 years (2015-2020) Alc/Vol: 15.5% Further comments... "...the
very best wine of the vintage going beyond the critically swooned over
2003 Pressings. I'm not sure how they could accomplish this...Chiseled,
liquefied rock and earth meshed with just the slightest suggestion of
heavy cream and a tannic structure that would take Godzilla several
films to break through, the 2004 is a mighty wine of earth and fruit
with an impossibly complicated, wound up and layered personality that
is truly one of a kind in Australia. This is as close as it gets to an
old-style Grange character (think 1962 or 1971) while remaining clean,
fresh and impenetrable. If you purchase this wine it will be very
disappointing if opened today - it will illicit more than a few "who
cares?" remarks and evil glairs from your guests. This is all about the
ageing potential - if you buy Grange (at four times the price) and you
don't buy this then I'm not sure what to say. THE VERY HIGHEST
RECOMMENDATION." - Garagiste,
USA.
ROBERT PARKER'S REVIEW: A revelation, the 2004
Shiraz Pressings,
which was aged 16 months in new American oak, may be the finest Shiraz
I have ever tasted from Heathcote. Nearly overwhelming terroir
characteristics of graphite, crushed rocks, and wet steel interwoven
with acacia flower, crème de cassis and blueberry notes jump from the
glass of this multi-layered, superbly concentrated effort, which
displays freakish precision. Offering a seamless blend of extraordinary
fruit, but also enormous potential, complexity and definition, it is an
amazing effort from winemaker Ben Riggs! Anticipated maturity:
2007-2020+
RATING: 98+ -
(Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #161)
2005
TATIARRA ‘CARAVAN OF DREAMS’ SHIRAZ PRESSINGS
The Tatiarra Caravan of Dreams has become an International wine icon,
and demand exceeds supply many times over. Stylistically, past vintages
have been compared with great vintages of Penfold's Grange. Three
pressings are made from the grape skins after the free run juice is
allocated for the Cambrian Shiraz. Great care must be taken to ensure
that excess tannins and phenolics don't overcome the fruit flavour. The
very best new American oak casks infuse the fruit until a perfect
harmony is achieved. The colour is a saturation of black purple.
Unmistakable Shiraz nose- superb notes of spice, vanilla, liquorice,
blackberry, black pepper and plum. The palate is again a concentration
of flavour - which has been described as 'chiselled', liquefied rock
and earth, meshed with just the slightest suggestion of heavy cream and
a tannin structure that would 'take Godzilla several films to break
through' - The 2005 is an encore performance - Godzilla is going to be
kept very busy. Powerful fruit flavours- black and white pepper bounce
around the palate, overlaid with blackberry, vanilla and liquorice.
Exceptional length and concentration. Fine, firmish but perfectly
balanced tannins, followed by an exceptionally long aftertaste of
blackberry, vanilla and black pepper. Cellar: 10-15 years (2016-2021)
Alc/Vol: 15.5% - www.nicks.com.au
ROBERT PARKER'S REVIEW: The most forward,
flamboyant wine of
this trio is the 2005 Shiraz Pressings Caravan of Dreams. Offering
plenty of toasty vanillin intermixed with creme de cassis, white
chocolate, graphite, and spice, it is a Victorian fruit-bomb that
possesses amazing structure and definition. Drink it over the next
10-15 years. 95-96 points. - (Notes Sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine
Advocate #168)
2006
TATIARRA ‘CARAVAN OF DREAMS’ SHIRAZ PRESSINGS
The most sought after of the Tatiarra reds, and clearly a modern
benchmark for Australian Shiraz. The colour is a complete saturate of
black purple, which clings, paint-like to the glass wall. The nose is a
powerhouse and heralds the flavour packed palate. The wine has a
monumental but balanced structure. Superb nose of vanilla, violets,
ripe blackberries and black pepper with a hint of liquorice. The palate
is a concentrate of Shiraz with flavours of plum, spice and blackberry
emerging and totally encasing the palate. Layers of black pepper lurk
in the background over a hint of vanilla. Perfectly balanced, ripe
tannins, a wine of exceptional length & aftertaste. Cellar
10-12
years (2017-2019) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2002 TATIARRA
TRADEMARK SHIRAZ
TASTING NOTE: Totally opaque black purple colour. Superb nose with
notes of vanilla, plum, spice, violets and dark chocolate emerging.
Whilst the nose is impressive it still has a long way to go in order to
deliver its maximum potential. On tasting the wine one wine lover
exclaimed that the wine 'brought tears to his eyes' that was not a
negative remark, but one that expressed a sense of awe at the quality
of the wine. The palate flavours are mouthfilling with layers of spice,
dark chocolate, plum and black pepper emerging. The tannin structure is
balanced, fine and dry yet assertive enough to support the wine for the
next decade plus. Exceptionally long aftertaste with black pepper
characters persisting. Cellar 10-20 years (2013-2023) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2003
TATIARRA TRADEMARK SHIRAZ
TASTING NOTE: Totally opaque black crimson colour, which clings to the
walls of the glass like paint. Wonderful lifted nose with violet top
notes, followed by blackberry, plum, cedar and vanilla. The palate is
mouthfilling, but when compared with a 100% McLaren Vale Red, showing
more restrained structure and fine grained perfectly balance tannins.
Flavours of liquorice, plum, cedar and violets are supported by a black
pepper back palate which continues to evolve in a power wave that
delivers a profoundly lasting aftertaste. Cellar 10-12 years
(2014-2016) Alc/Vol 15.5%
2004
TATIARRA TRADEMARK SHIRAZ
Opaque black purple colour, with black purple hue. Lifted, perfumed
nose, showing wonderful ripe fruit aroma. Violet top notes are followed
by black cherry, spice, blackberry, plum and cedar. The palate has that
rare quality of strength and elegance, showing great refinement.
Flavours of blackberry, plum, spice, white pepper and liquorice
allsorts abound. Not as forceful as the 'volcanic' Cambrian Shiraz, but
still showing great length and depth. Fine, dryish balanced tannins.
Very long aftertaste of dark chocolate, blackberry, liquorice allsorts
and black and white pepper. Cellar: 10-12 years (2015-2017)
Alc/Vol: 15.5% Further comments... "It
is one of the very best (if not the very best) wines of 2004...The
devilish amalgam of sultry Footprint with the iron fisted Pressings has
produced a "wow" of a beverage that somehow bridges the off-putting
nature of the regular Tatiarra wines and softens it with the 2004
McLaren Vale fruit. This is akin to your young Latour being softened
with Le Pin - a compelling combination of style, substance, mouthfeel
and incredible length and breed this wine has left so many tastes in
Australia speechless that I'm not really sure what to write anymore.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED".
-
Garagiste, USA.
2005
TATIARRA TRADEMARK SHIRAZ
Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Like all Tatiarra
wines, this wine has paint like cling to the glass walls. Violet top
note, superb lifted aroma of spice, blackberry and white pepper abound.
Big, generous 'joosy' palate, yet in spite of its voluptuous character,
there is a sense of elegance which the McLaren Vale component delivers.
Concentrated flavours of ripe blackberry, plum, liquorice and
confectionary. Perfect balance - refined structure. Very long
aftertaste of blackberry, plum and spice. Cellar: 10-12 years
(2016-2018) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2006
TATIARRA TRADEMARK SHIRAZ A
wonderful Shiraz, which counterpoints the complex flavour profiles of
two of Australia’s great Shiraz producing areas. A precise blend of
50/50. Three of the best casks from each vintage are selected by
winemakers Ben Riggs and Peter Flewellyn to create a blend that
delivers a profound drinking experience. The colour is completely
saturated, black purple and clinging to the glass walls like a coat of
paint. Perfumed nose, with top note of violets, followed by blackberry,
spice and liquorice allsorts. The palate delivers finesse, elegance and
refinement. The ‘joosiness’ of McLaren Vale is counterpointed by the
density and power of Heathcote. Flavours of vanilla, spice, violet
infusions and ripe plum are overlaid with black and white pepper.
Perfect balance and integration showing exceptional length and a
profound aftertaste. Cellar 10-12 years (2017-2019) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
TATIARRA CULLED BARREL SHIRAZ
2002 TATIARRA CULLED BARREL SHIRAZ
TASTING NOTE: Totally black purple colour. Aromas of confectionary,
violets, blackcurrant and liquorice over a black pepper end note. The
palate is very spicy, totally mouthfilling with a backbone of fine dry
tannins over layers of black pepper and spice, followed by hints of
coffee. Perfect balance with a very long aftertaste of blackpepper,
spice and liquorice. Cellar 4-5 years (2007-2008) Alc/Vol 15.5%
2003 TATIARRA CULLED BARREL SHIRAZ
Very deep crimson colour with crimson purple hue. Lifted, aromatic
nose, with aroma of raspberry, violets, blackberry and spice. The
structure is quite elegant and is held together by a distinct black
pepper flavour that runs through the palate and well into the
aftertaste. The palate reveals flavours of plum and black pepper over
spice and cedar. Fine grained tannins, with very long aftertaste of
raspberry, blackberry and black pepper.
Cellar 3-4 years (2007-2008) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2004
TATIARRA CULLED BARREL SHIRAZ
Totally opaque black, inky, purple colour. The nose is a delight and
delivers a pronounced Heathcote sniffing experience. The top note of
violets is followed by liquorice, blackberry, vanilla and spice. The
palate is big, full bodied and packed with fruit flavour - an explosion
of blackberry & blackpepper followed by vanilla and liquorice.
The
tannins are fine with very impressive length. Very long aftertaste of
spice, blackpepper and blackberry. If this is the wine Ben Riggs
rejected, then with only a spark of imagination one can say that the
2004 Tatiarra wines will indeed be awesome. Cellar 4-5 years
(2009-2010) Alc/Vol: 15.5%
2005
TATIARRA CULLED BARREL SHIRAZ
Opaque black crimson colour with black crimson hue. Superb, lifted nose
of violets, black pepper and spice creating a delightful, classic
Heathcote sniff. The palate is mouthfilling with fantastic density,
mouthfeel and balance – one searches for some kind of deficiency?
According to the winemaker, his concern was for more 'power'. Yet at
the price point, we can't think of any wine delivering more than this.
Layers of liquorice, spice, blackberry and vanilla are supported by a
strong black pepper back palate. Excellent balance and exceptionally
long aftertaste. Cellar 5-8 years (2011-2014) Alc/Vol: 15.5%