Trevor Loomis

9.2

Dark red garnet in colour with no discoloration due to the age. Overt tobacco, cigar box, cedar, and oak with dusty notes on the nose. Brambly blackberries coming though. On the palate dried herbs, red currants, cedar, a touch earthy with that signature iodine. The wine has those beautiful classic Cornerstone silky fine grain tannins. The wine seems quite delicate considering the blend. This wine might have peaked, but I have been wrong in the past with previous vintages. — 9 years ago

Trevor Loomis

9.2

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot blend 2008 vintage. An inky, almost black in colour wine with a heady nose. 15.5 % alc but the big weighty fruit holds up well. The tannins are finely integrated, as is the oak and do take a back seat to the flavours. Dark brambly black currant and cassis on the nose and on the palate. I did find that the finish was slightly edgie. The wine went perfectly with the beef ribs, but really not my cup of tea. — 9 years ago

Trevor Loomis

8.7

This was an "a" typical Cote du Rhone, not a big stand out example really. For the price I expected much more, but overall nice integration of the varietals with the oak and tannins. This wine went well with the pork tenderloin. — 9 years ago

Trevor Loomis

9.2

I have drunk cases of this wine over the last 8 years, I'm personal friends with Bob, Dinah, John and Brigid. This wine has surprised me for years. Back in 2008 we thought the wine was falling over so we tried to sell it out through the cellar door, but it just keeps going. I had another bottle with my wife the other night and it didn't disappoint. Beautiful savory notes on the nose and the palate. Lashings of tobacco, dried herbs and iodine on the nose with a touch of molasses. On the palate flavours of stewed plums, herbs, iodine and slightly gamey. Lovely integrated oak with silky fine grain tannins on the finish. This wine just keeps going. The only fault would be the corks are dried out and a bitch to get out in one piece. Gordon Russell is an icon and one of New Zealand's greatest winemakers. — 9 years ago