2003 was a difficult, low-yielding vintage in the vineyard due to drought conditions followed by late heavy rain and berry splitting .  We hand-picked the fruit during the fourth week of March at less than  2 tonnes per acre. 19 months in 40% French and 60% American oak, about 40% new and 60% second-use. Production:  494 cases

The wine was bottled in screwcap (Stelvin) so that you may cellar it with confidence. This is very early days as the wine was bottled in the fourth week of January 2005 but those luscious dark fruits are starting to emerge after a little time in the glass. The palate displays blackberry, plums, aniseed, white pepper and that trade mark Marius silky mouth-feel. On the back palate the fruit intensifies and is accompanied by a fair hit of chocolate and chalky tannins.  The finish is really quite intense and lingering. This wine is characterised by flavour, texture, mouth feel and a perfect balance between the fruit and the oak which I believe will ensure continued development of further complexity for many years.

This has settled down magically, offering a well-defined, fruit-etched, perfectly ripened mouthful of true McLaren Vale shiraz flavour.  It's got an edge of to-die-for minerality, lots of blackberry fruit, low-impact chocolatey oak and a run of cedary savoury interest.  I like it as much as the excellent 2002.  Lovely, fruity, following finish.  Drink: Now-2010.  92 points; Campbell Mattinson; The Wine Front

Very dark colour. Aromas of chocolate, plum and blackberry with some licorice, charcoal and well measured vanilla/cedar oak. On the palate richly fruited with blackberry, plum and chocolate flavours. There is also an attractive subtle herb and savoury undercurrent which complements the sweet fruit very well. Tannins are fine and ripe and although the wine weighs in at 15% alcohol you don’t notice any heat - just some gentle warmth. Dark chocolate and herb finish of good length. The vineyard has delivered the goods in a less than perfect vintage. Rated : 92 Points; Drink : 2006 - 2010+ Gary Walsh; The Wine Front