"Inky ruby. Deeply pitched aromas of blackberry, cassis, violet and licorice. On the palate, dense, smoke-tinged flavors of bitter cherry and blackberry are complicated by hints of peppery spice, cocoa powder and licorice. Finishes gently tannic and long, with a subtle oaky element. -JR"
- Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (July / August 2014), 90 pts
"Solid, workmanlike Shiraz, offering a mélange of caramelized berries, tobacco and cassis. Seems warm but at the same time slightly austere, making it a good candidate to partner grilled steak. Drink now."
- Wine Enthusiast (May 2012), 90 pts - EDITOR'S CHOICE
"(35% new French oak barriques): Opaque ruby. Ripe cherry and cassis aromas are complemented by notes of licorice, candied flowers and cured tobacco. Offers an array of black and blue fruit flavors that are lifted and sharpened by juicy acidity and a smoky mineral quality. Finishes on a sweet note of vanilla, with very good energy, building tannins and lingering smokiness. - Josh Raynolds"
- Vinous (March 2016), 91 pts
- Australian Wine Showcase Award 2016, 96 pts
"Bright ruby. Spice-accented cherry and floral qualities on the nose, along with a hint of dark chocolate. In a juicy, forward style, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors that show good depth and spicy lift. Easygoing tannins frame a long, smooth finish that echoes the floral note."
- Antonio Galloni's Vinous (September 2022), 90 pts
"Layers of mint, tobacco and cassis unfold on the nose of the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Mature and ready to drink, this medium to full-bodied wine is a fine example of Padthaway's (and the larger Limestone Coast region's) potential for Bordeaux varieties. Silky, savory and dry, it displays fine lines despite its heft, with bright acids and a lingering finish. - Joe Czerwinski"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Issue #253, February 2021), 90 pts
- Wine Enthusiast (January 2020), 90 pts
