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abryksa's Review:

84 Points - Straight out of the bottle, the body on this wine has a vibrant purple core trailing to a brickish red. On the nose, a captivating blend of crushed violets, red currants and raspberry concentrate. Additionally, notes of plum and prune presented as well with a touch of heat. In the mouth, this wine was soft and elegant on the palate. It was contemplative, with mild dried berry fruit showing on the front and moves gracefully across the mid palate. It finished dry and somewhat quick. For the Elu blend being primary Cabernet Sauvignon, the tannins were lighter and less textured than expected. As far as faults, it showed a touch raisiny which might be attributed its warm serving temperature. If I could turn back time, I would have aspired to review it at 16 degrees Celsius and given it some time in a decanter to mellow it out.

abryksa's Review:

I was anticipating some signs of age however the body on this wine was violet trailing ever so slightly to its edges. So much for thinking this one was on the decline! The nose was presenting hints of barnyard and caramel with plums / prunes being the primary fruit aromas. It also had characteristics of torched earth and tar. We tested a little bit and decided to decant to allow it to open further. On the palate, the wine was out of this world, showing off complex layers of elegant, dark red fruit flavors with smooth dark tannins on a epically long finish. Overall, the entire experience was very old world in its style with the nuances and intricacies being the highlights rather than over extracted fruit. The wine evolved considerably over the one or so hours it was decanted, and after about 30 minutes, the tannins had softened considerably which added to the experience.91 Points

abryksa's Review:

On to the wine, out of the bottle it is clean and is brick like in color trailing to orange hues on its edges. On the nose, there is a touch of game, with blackberries and notes of fortified oak. At the temperature tested of 19 degrees Celsius, there were also some hints vegetation which adds some unique character. In the mouth, this wine is fresh with tart cherries up front with great balance and acidity. It has smooth tannins and a long finish to round out the experience.

abryksa's Review:

Out of the bottle, this wines coloring is purplish black. It is so dark and concentrated that it cannot be seen through, even when put up to a light. The nose has aromas of freshly ground coffee, spices and herbs with a base of concentrated fruit (thinking plums, dark berries). There are additionally hints of toasted oak. In the mouth, there is powerful fruit up front moving into charred coffee and oak over a medium finish. It has uncompromisingly rich concentration with massive extraction. If you were to look up fruitbomb in the dictionary, you might find this wine referenced.

abryksa's Review:

Coming out of the bottle, this wine is clean with a nice dark purple black tone to it. The nose presents cherry, vanilla and oak with a touch of astringency, which has me a bit worried as the oak monster as Gary V puts it might be in the house. On the palate, there is a touch of ripe fruit up front with supple charred tannins with a somewhat empty mid palate that finishes smoothly. This is a steak / cheese wine for sure and I would see this pairing up with a Porterhouse or a New York Strip or some smoked cheddar perhaps.So, as for the verdict on this one, I am on the fence and can't call it either way. This is a wine that will have appeal to many but I think lacks the pizazz and excitement that will elevate it past the wine by the glass section of the menu at your favorite restaurant. It has decent ROI, but your money could pick you up something so much better.

abryksa's Review:

You know when you get a gift and you are mildly disappointed, and sock it away until you finally use it and its bloody fantastic? That is my experience with this old girl from Barossa. We each got one for xmas and boy o boy, she was a favourite mistake. This wine has a beautiful purplish orange color to it and by now, the tannins are perfectly relaxed and the bottles are glazed with sediment. Not so hot on it out of the bottle but with a little air via decanting, it presents pomegranates and raspberries with toasted coffee beans with a hint of cocoa. On the palate, an excellent presentation of berries, toasted oak with a port like sweetness that draws you to continue sipping. If you can find it, buy it and drink it right away as it will be a sure hit with purple lip and teeth crowd. Outstanding on its own.92 points

abryksa's Review:

Combining 56% Shiraz and 44% Cabernet at 14.5% alcohol, the Killibinbin blend offers a vibrant plum color with raspberries and earth tones on the nose. It offers upfront fruit, with a long and dry finish. Recommending to let this one breathe to relax the tannins, would pair very well with beef or lamb or a pasta dish with a cream based sauce. Would also do well to bottle age (1-2 years) to let the tannins mellow out.

abryksa's Review:

The color of this wine is rich deep dark purple and is opaque and is most certainly a tooth stainer. The nose gives off hints of chocolate and fresh berries, tea and is herbal and medicinal. On the palate, the front is pure fruit with a port like richness with sinewy tannins over a long smooth finish. Even with its high alcohol levels, there is no heat at all and it is balanced and fresh and very delicious. Do yourself a favor and the next visit to your local market, splurge and seek this one out. It is a cellar candidate for another 15+ years but is accessible and enjoyable today.93 Points

abryksa's Review:

Poured into a glass, color wise it has a dark reddish maroon tint and on the nose there is toasted oak and dark fruits with also some menthol or minty notes that are intriguing (I have decanted for over an hour). Upon the first sips, there is dark fruit (stewed cherries perhaps), powerful charred oak and some subtle spice. The finish is short and simple, with tannin and alcohol driving the experience home.

abryksa's Review:

The color is an opulent, almost black purple and this wine is so dense and thick, it cannot be seen through even when placed against a light. The nose is gorgeous with aspects of spiced vegetable juice (V8) and minerality like Flintstones vitamins (I loved those as a kid) and licorice and the taste is jammy and herbal with no maskings of oak and has lots of rich, full tannins pushing it through a great finish. It can be enjoyed now or laid down for some time in the cellar, due to those strong tannins. As far as food goes, I wouldn't even bother, it is that good on its own.