Deep dark ruby. Medium+ intensity on the nose displaying plums, cherry pie, med minus oak, bramble fruit, mocha, cigar box, red & white pepper & light smokey nose. Very pleasant. The taste is dry, med tannins & acidity, full body, balanced with a med+ length. The taste is similar to the nose with the addition of sour cherry. The high alcohol is well hidden & the usual jammy & cooked fruit typical of Australian Shiraz with high alcohol is not present due to the addition if Sangiovese, but still remember it's 14.5% alcohol. Smart play by Hardy's gives this wine a Best Buy rating. Good to drink on its own or pair it with roasted red peppers. This is drinkable now but will still age for another year or two.

Tasted 11 June 2011.

Score: 9/10, Value: 10/10 Total: 19/20

Aromas of plum, raisin, currant, oak, sour cherry with nuances of mint. Plum, fruit forward with ripe fruit on the palate. Ripe tannins for drinking now. I would serve this slightly chilled. Tasted May/2012.