2004 The Colonial Estate Exile

($217) Dark, saturated violet. Huge, expansive bouquet of tarry blackcurrant, blueberry, blackberry, kirsch, espresso, smoked meat and exotic spices. Amazingly concentrated dark fruit flavors expand and almost overwhelm the palate, showing remarkable intensity and power. The creme de cassis and candied licorice tones fill out and gain even more weight through the finish. There are substantial tannins here but they appear to melt into the powerful flavors. A superb wine with a velvety texture and compelling richness and sweetness. (Various importers, including Southern Wine & Spirits and The Australian Premium Wine Collection, www.tapwc.com.au)

Author: Josh Raynolds

Issue: July/August 2006

Ripe, bordering on overripe, with dried cherry and pepper flavors that linger on the smoky finish. Shiraz, Grenache and MourvAdre."

Author: Harvey Steiman

The single vineyard 2004 Exile is fashioned from a northern Barossa Shiraz vineyard. A stunning, 100% new French oak-aged blend of 85% Shiraz and the rest primarily Mourvedre, it is a wine of extraordinary intensity as well as aromatic purity. Blackberry, espresso roast, scorched earth, and flower characteristics are found in this full-bodied yet elegant, well-defined effort.

Author: Robert Parker