1999 & 2004 Vintages

  • Piper-Heidsieck Rare

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Champagnes P&C Heidsieck
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Superb nose. Intense, toasty, impressive. Palate less impressive but with a firm line of acid, lovely youth and lovely length. Superb!

    Drinking Window: From 2019

  • Jacob's Creek Steingarten

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Orlando Wyndham Group
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Classic bruised apple aromas, also betraying some warmth. Very pure, expressive, off-dry, true to style, lovely balance, fresh and lively - still has time on its side.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2020

  • Weissburgunder Smaragd Hochrain

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Erich Machherndl Jr
    • Country: Austria
    • Region: Lower Austria
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Yellow straw colour, nice honey and white flower nose, melon, soft rich attack. Mineral palate, long aftertaste. Beautiful!

    Drinking Window: Now to 2020

  • Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Reserva

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: San Felice
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Expressive mix of chocolate, herbs and dried fruits. Good fruit cake flavours; good intensity of flavour. Balanced, with lovely lift on the finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2016

  • Moscatel de Setúbal

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Casa Agrícola Horácio Simões
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Setúbal
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Fine tawny colour, bright. Clean firm lovely toffee aroma. The palate shows fruit with a firmness of depth and weight. Rich, clean, good prominent but balanced acidity. Well made, lovely wine.

    Drinking Window: From 2020

  • Victoire Fût de Chêne

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Champagne G.H. Martel
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Rich complex ripe. Citrus/orange zest, super freshness on palate, wonderful weight and crisp finish. Clean, complex, elegant wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2016

  • Reserva

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Viña Concejo
    • Country: Spain
    • Region: Rioja
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Coconut, red fruits, some spice, liquorice combine with a nice texture in this well put together wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2019

  • Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Riesling Auslese

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Weingut Balthasar Ress
    • Country: Germany
    • Region: Rheingau
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Bright gold, restrained aroma of honey and roasted almonds, with vibrant zippy citrus fruit on the palate. Elegant, with a long medium-sweet finish. Still very young, but a classic in the making.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2029

  • Barolo Bussia

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Poderi Colla
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Piemonte
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Lovely complex wine. Earthy, spicy with cassis and pepper. Super attack and a lovely mid-palate. Tannins drying but super length and character. Drinking very well.

    Drinking Window: Now

  • Valle Pradinhos

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Casal de Valle Pradinhos
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Trás-os-Montes
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Dark, savoury aromas. Palate has firm but ripe tannins. Blackberry fruit with spicy, healthy length.

    Drinking Window: Now

  • Henley

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Geoff Merrill Wines
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Fine mature brick red colour. Big firm fruit-driven aroma, but with some nice integrated oak. Similarly, the palate shows fruit with good ripe tannins, a nice easy structure and some bottle age.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Balgownie Estate Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Balgownie
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Bendigo
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Good colour and fresh nose, sweet earthy, leathery fruit, clean, well balanced, good structure fading a little on the finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Huxelrebe Trockenbeerenauslese

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Weingut Schales
    • Country: Germany
    • Region: Rheinhessen
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep golden colour. Honeyed, fat, marmaladey nose with spice. Palate: very sweet and concentrated with apricot. And oily texture and citrus acidity. Intense, not subtle but characterful and balanced.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2018

  • Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Viña Valdivieso
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Central
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour, young. Opulent aroma, spicy, earthy and well balanced wine with vibrant red fruit on medium palate. Lingering finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2024

  • Assemblage

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: J. Bouchon
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Valle del Maule
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Some evolution in terms of colour. Fresh acid, soft tannins, well balanced. Drink up.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Jacob's Creek St Hugo

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Orlando Wyndham Group
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Garnet bright colour. Nose has classic, complex eucalyptus and mint nose. Sweet concentrated palate with elegance, flavour and vitality. Bright, alive on the finish, still evolving. Great food wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Les Echansons

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Champagne Mailly Grand Cru
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Light, fresh, floral and red fruit nose. A little drying but holding up and still showing some youth.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Charles Heidsieck Rosé

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Champagnes P&C Heidsieck
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: A well defined nose, rose petals, light strawberry. Well balanced palate, zesty entry. Great acidity, excellent.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Kollmitz

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Erich Machherndl Jr
    • Country: Austria
    • Region: Lower Austria
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Delicate pale strawberry colour. Fresh white flowers on nose. Palate starts rich and vibrant. Long resonating finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Scirus Rosso Toscana IGT

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Fattoria le Sorgenti
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour, earthy, lead pencil aroma, animal notes, lively acidity.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • I Balzini White Label

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: I Balzini
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Mature, cedar. Fine sweetness and fruit on palate. Attractive savoury edge, good freshness, note of mint. Flavoursome.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Jacobsdal Pinotage

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Jacobsdal
    • Country: South Africa
    • Region: Stellenbosch
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Rather animally nose. Savoury fruit, mouldy orange. Sweet entry, meaty and savoury.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2010

  • Jacob's Creek Centenary Hill

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Orlando Wyndham Group
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: Good depth of colour. The palate shows good attack and lovely fruit which has developed well. The wine is ripe with soft easy generous tannins. Still bright and fresh.

    Drinking Window: From 2012 to 2015

  • Doña Bernarda

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Viña Luis Felipe Edwards
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Colchagua
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Youthful colour. Fresh, vibrant cherry fruits, intense and pure. Cassis, mint and spice. Light elegant attack with pronounced acid and a drying finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2013


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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Château Giscours
    • Country: France
    • Region: Bordeaux
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep garnet hue. Pencil box, cedar and some maturity on the nose. Good definition with dusty black fruit. Medium-bodied, blackberry and a touch of pepper. Lacks a little 'control' on the finish but nice austerity and weight.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Quinta do Ribeirinho Pé Franco

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Luís Pato
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Beiras
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Spicy leathery nose. Liquoricey but rather austere and tannic on the palate.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2010

  • Balgownie Estate Cabernet

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Balgownie
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Bendigo
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Mature edges, fruit on nose, oak well in balance. On the palate the fruit is drying out. The wine requires drinking now and will offer a good glass of wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2010

  • Varramista

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Fattoria Varramista SPA
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Savoury, nutty, earthy, plenty of personality. Palate well-balanced, tannins well-integrated. Plenty of complexity. Nice wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • The Dead Arm Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: D'Arenberg
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: McLaren Vale
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Mature colour, bright. Nose showing alcohol and drying a little. Fruit still firm on palate with ripe tannins but a little lacking in the mid-palate.

    Drinking Window: Now

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Moss Wood
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Western Australia
    • Score: 86/100
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    Judges Comments: Mid depth colour, nice intense bouquet with spice, soft attack, a rich palate A lovely wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Duas Quintas Reserva Especial

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 86/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour. Mature, tobacco, fruit cake and black fruit. Concentrated palate with still-youthful blackberry fruit, fresh currant leaf and a lot of vanilla.

    Drinking Window: From 2010 to 2013

  • Duas Quintas Reserva

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    • Vintage: 1999
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 85/100
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    Judges Comments: Fragrant nose of wild strawberries and walnuts. Soft and velvety palate. Short and lacking substance. Needs drinking.

    Drinking Window: Now

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  • L'Or de Cabidos

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Vivien de Nazelle
    • Country: France
    • Region: South West
    • Score: 96/100
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    Judges Comments: Good full mature pineapple gold. Waxy ripe cherry tomatoes, quince and marrow jam. Perfect balance, a first time meeting of kindred spirits in unexpected harmony, mint and heather honey. Lovely lemon zest, a lovely bitter sweet kumquat marmalade.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2024

  • Moscatel Roxo

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Casa Agrícola Horácio Simões
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Setúbal
    • Score: 96/100
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    Judges Comments: Nutty marmalade, mandarin combined with an aroma of 'bitters'. Really compelling palate of honey, walnut, dried orange peel and fresh ginger. Great freshness and good weight. Very long, delicious and unusual.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2039

  • Quinta da Prelada

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Samuel Magalhães e Silva, Herdeiros
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 96/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour and a very powerful palate of black fruit, black cherry, black liquorice, very rich, full, intense and long. Absolutely delicious!

    Drinking Window: From 2015 to 2040

  • Scirus Rosso Toscana IGT

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Fattoria le Sorgenti
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep damson. Good, red, sweet sour plum and touch of blackberry vinegar. Quite assertive tannin. Excellent version of sweet and sour richness.

    Drinking Window: From 2011 to 2019

  • Jacob's Creek St Hugo

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Orlando Wyndham Group
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Cherry and brambly fruit on the nose. Palate dense and concentrated with great texture, depth and elegance.

    Drinking Window: From 2019 to 2024

  • Barolo Bussia

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Poderi Colla
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Piemonte
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Mid depth in colour, showing some evolution. Lots of spices and herbs on the nose. Rich attack, full with lots of concentration and well-balanced.

    Drinking Window: From 2020

  • Poggio Rosso Chianti Classico Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Agricola San Felice
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep youthful ruby colour. Nose a little closed and oaky but showing some ripe black fruit. Dense, chewy palate, with ripe fruit, fine tannins and minty freshness. Compact. Long. Not ready yet, but this will be wonderful.

    Drinking Window: From 2011 to 2015

  • Ondarre Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Bodegas Ondarre SA
    • Country: Spain
    • Region: La Rioja
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Creamy, gentle chocolate notes. Savoury red core of flavour. Black fruits, balanced oak, grainy tannins. Still young and fresh, this wine needs time and should last well.

    Drinking Window: From 2011 to 2020

  • Reserve

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Quinta de la Rosa
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Dull garnet colour. Oaky vanilla nose, good fruit but masked by too much oak. Long complex finish, savoury.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2024

  • Riesling Eiswein

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Weingut Schales
    • Country: Germany
    • Region: Rheinhessen
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Sweet, straightforward, pears and cream. Flavoursome, delicious and well balanced.

    Drinking Window: From 2011 to 2020

  • Vintage Ervamoira

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 95/100
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    Judges Comments: Dark colour, intense, very chewy with a preserved fruit nose. Long, concentrated, sweet liquorice palate. Well executed and balanced. Lovely wine!

    Drinking Window: From 2015 to 2040

  • Champagne G.H. Martel Brut

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Champagne G.H. Martel
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 94/100
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    Judges Comments: Limes, floral, autolytic character. Very pure, very focused. Lovely weight and balance and length. Very youthful, showing elegance and purity.

    Drinking Window: From 2010 to 2025

  • The Dead Arm Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: D'Arenberg
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: McLaren Vale
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Serious wine. Bouquet fresh, vibrant, intense and very defined. Pepper, spice, ripe blue fruits. Tannins a little dry and alcohol a little hot. Nice wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2016

  • Late Bottled Vintage

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Restrained, pencil-lead aromas. Not too sweet, very classy, black pepper. Sweet attack but not too sweet on palate. Great freshness and length. Very pure, thrilling, needs plenty of time to evolve.

    Drinking Window: From 2015 to 2040

  • Porto Vintage

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 93/100
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    Judges Comments: Dark intense colour, black cherry. Very pleasant and balanced. Rich, soft.

    Drinking Window: From 2015 to 2030

  • Pinot Blanc Hochrain

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Erich Machherndl Jr
    • Country: Austria
    • Region: Lower Austria
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Pale, bright. Aromatic, white peaches, sweet apples, flowers and herbs. Full-bodied, slightly oily textured with rich ripe citrus fruit. A hint of almond. Penetrating acidity. High alcohol.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2013

  • Gewürztraminer

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Johanneshof Cellars
    • Country: New Zealand
    • Region: Marlborough
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Excellent Gewürztraminer aromatics - spice, roses, pure. Sweet, juicy, ginger notes, really flavoursome with great texture and freshness. Hedonistic.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Viña Valdivieso
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Central
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Solid garnet. Nose: ripe spicy fruit with mint, eucalyptus and toasted coffee. Palate: baked, spicy fruit, chocolaty oak with fresh green herbal eucalyptus notes. Mouth filling, slightly hot but fresh and savoury. Medium length.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2016

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Moss Wood
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Western Australia
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Good firm fruit aromas, a hint of oak and showing some depth. Nice structure. Ripe, generous tannins. Nicely made.

    Drinking Window: From 2012

  • Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Geoff Merrill Wines
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep fresh black cherry colour, ripe blackcurrant and red pepper, hint of spice, good rich palate with long and still firm tannins. Very long and well balanced.

    Drinking Window: From 2015

  • Casa Silva Altura

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Viña Casa Silva SA
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Colchagua
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep green peppers and red fruits, touch gamey. Fresh, smells a bit like green tea. Sweet fruit, grainy tannins.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Barolo Bussia, Dardi le Rose

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Poderi Colla
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Piedmonte
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Lightish colour, lots of serious toasted oak. Lovely attack, well balanced, huge potential on the palate, lots of tannins.

    Drinking Window: From 2030

  • Varramista

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Fattoria Varramista SPA
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 92/100
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    Judges Comments: Nicely developed. Gamey, meaty nose. Palate: cedary sweet fruit, liquorice and black fruit with well integrated oak. Structured but not too powerful. Balanced, with medium length.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2015

  • Altaïr

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Altaïr Vineyards & Winery
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Cachapoal Valley
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Rich, slightly smokey nose with red pepper aromas. Complex fruit, lovely tannins and good acidity. Alcoholic but with flavour and freshness to balance.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Brindisi Rosso Doc Riserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Maci Angelo
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Puglia
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Dark, opaque black purple. Intense baked cherry and prune nose with fresh plums and blueberries too. Big and alcoholic with plumy fruits and blueberries. Dark chocolate, fine-grainy tannins. Mouth filling, long and fresh finish, slightly sweet.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2017

  • Sudisfà Roero

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Negro Angelo e Figli
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Piemonte
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Lifted floral cherry and spice, sweet fruit and good density on the palate. Chunky but refined tannins with bright acidity on the finish.

    Drinking Window: From 5 to 15 years

  • Duas Quintas Reserva Especial

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Lively garnet colour. Complex spicy nose. Rich, well balanced. Drying finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2019

  • Reserve Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Geoff Merrill Wines
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 91/100
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    Judges Comments: Ripe jammy style. Plenty of oak. Lovely attack. Vibrant, intense, fat. Cedar, coconut notes still dominate. Needs time but this is a lovely well balanced, warm climate style.

    Drinking Window: From 2014

  • Grand Cru Brand Pinot Gris

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Cave de Turckheim
    • Country: France
    • Region: Alsace
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep gold, vinous barley sugar notes on the nose, ripe pineapple notes. Well-balanced, warm finish. Drinking now, lingering tropical aftertaste.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Spätburgunder Barrique Trocken

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Weingut Schales
    • Country: Germany
    • Region: Rheinhessen
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Lovely fruit with still raw oak but lovely balance. Fruity nice rich palate, good length, very commercial wine with good life ahead.

    Drinking Window: From 2015

  • Casa Real Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Santa Rita
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Maipo
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep purple colour. Attractive leafy nose, liquorice/black plum. Slightly bitter entry. Lacking a little backbone. Mushroomy, dry fruit.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Concha y Toro Don Melchor

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Vina Concha y Toro SA
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Maipo
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Simple, wine-gum aromas, note of tobacco. Sweet, low acid.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Château Clauzet

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Maurice Velge
    • Country: France
    • Region: Bordeaux
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Opaque, expressive aroma, cassis, liquorice, minty, curry notes. Lovely fruit and acidity on the palate. Austere finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2019

  • Cortes de Cima Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Hans Kristian Jorgensen
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Alentejo
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Good youthful cedar with attractive spicy oak. Ripe fruit with a spicy dill finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Tinta Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Herdade das Servas
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Alentejo
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Ripe jammy, Christmas cake spice/cassis. Clean fresh vibrant. Chocolate, mint and tannins are a little dry but very nice.

    Drinking Window: From 2014

  • Coyam

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Emiliana
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Rapel
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Dense purply red. Ripe, sweet, coffee and fruitcake nose. Soy sauce, coffee, chocolate and herbal notes. Carmenere makes its presence felt. Still very primary.

    Drinking Window: From 2012 to 2020

  • Squid Ink Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: McLaren Vale Associates
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: McLaren Vale
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Good youthful cedar. Smooth and full with well-integrated oak and a good tannin balance. Long and peppery.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Balgownie Estate Shiraz

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Balgownie
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Bendigo
    • Score: 90/100
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    Judges Comments: Animal notes on on the nose. Mineral, sulphides. Nice palate texture. Closed and needs air. Plenty of personality and not built on fruit. Tannins are soft. Nice Rhône style wine, still young.

    Drinking Window: From 2016

  • Cepparello IGT Toscana

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Soc. Agr. Isole e Olena Srl
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: A vibrant medium ruby garnet, solid to the rim. Richness, perfumed fruit and oak on the nose. Sweet, quite concentrated, red fruits on palate. Still youthful with acid and fine tannins but texture already silky. Good length and well-balanced.

    Drinking Window: From 2010 to 2017

  • Brunello di Montalcino

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Castiglion del Bosco Sarl
    • Country: Italy
    • Region: Tuscany
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: Very evolved. Dried fruit and prune aromas. Tannins are still firm but the fruit is drying. Savoury, firm, very traditional style and mature.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • The Stirlings

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Ferngrove Vineyards Ltd
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Western Australia
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: Lovely ripe red fruits, wood spice. Liquorice. Impressive bouquet with elegance and complexity. Attack refined, palate weight balanced. Cool climate texture. Purity, complexity and length.

    Drinking Window: From 2011

  • Bandol Cuvée Spéciale

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Domaine Lafran Veyrolles
    • Country: France
    • Region: Provence
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour. Wild, herbal, exotic, slightly gamey nose. Concentrated with lots of peppery tannin. Not ready yet, but nicely textured and structured.

    Drinking Window: From 2012 to 2020

  • Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen Riesling Auslese

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Weingut Balthasar Ress
    • Country: Germany
    • Region: Rheingau
    • Score: 89/100
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    Judges Comments: Straw, summer fields, apricot, fresh, pure. Great freshness, medium-sweet, still quite tight but good overall balance. A fine wine which needs time to develop.

    Drinking Window: From 2011 to 2020

  • Champagne Charles de Cazanove Vieille France

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Champagne G.H. Martel
    • Country: France
    • Region: Champagne
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Distinctive apple aroma. Attractive mousse but an austere high acid apple style.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Doña Bernarda

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Viña Luis Felipe Edwards
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Colchagua
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Nutty, roasted walnuts, creamy, vivid fruit, rich blackcurrant flavours. Balancing acidity.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2010

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Punt Road
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Yarra Valley
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Harmonious medium ruby, nose sweet chocolate and cedar wood palate. Soft fruit with some racy acidity on the finish. Some length.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Balgownie Estate Cabernet

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Balgownie
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: Bendigo
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Good deep colour. Quite a strong bouquet with a hint of mint. Strong flavour on the palate, juicy, although quite short on length.

    Drinking Window: From 2012

  • Familia Deicas 1er Cru d'Exception

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Establecimiento Juanicó SA
    • Country: Uruguay
    • Region: Canelones
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Dark chocolate and dried herbs on the nose. Bilberry on the palate, simple, rather tart on the finish. Short, tea-leaf on aftertaste.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Añares Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Bodegas Olarra SA
    • Country: Spain
    • Region: La Rioja
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: An attractive, modern Rioja wine. Blackberry, touch of cedar, bilberry. Upfront, bold. Quite sharp acidity. Harmonious.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Pangea

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Viña Ventisquero
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Colchagua Valley
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep colour. Nose: ripe cassis aromas. Palate: very ripe black fruit. Big, full modern, mouth filling with some freshness on the finish.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2015

  • Golden Triangle Pinotage

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Stellenzicht Vineyards
    • Country: South Africa
    • Region: Stellenbosch
    • Score: 88/100
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    Judges Comments: Intense, medicinal, herbal nose. Tarry palate with black pepper and black fruits. Quite a fine texture but dominated by green herbal notes.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2013

  • Grande Réserve Jaillance

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: La Cave de Die Jaillance
    • Country: France
    • Region: Vallée du Rhône
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Lovely aromatic, fruit intense style. Floral elderflower, touch of chalky minerality. Fresh, with lovely attack and texture, well balanced with crisp acidity and well integrated. Perhaps a touch too much sugar but the finish is very clean.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2012

  • Cono Sur Ocio

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Cono Sur Vineyards & Winery
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Casablanca
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Lovely garnet. Cherries, spice and earthy notes with remains of dense ripe vibrant fruit. Palate sweet and dense, great elegance and texture.

    Drinking Window: From 2010

  • Cabernet Sauvignon

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Jacobsdal
    • Country: South Africa
    • Region: Stellenbosch
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Opaque, restrained aroma, cassis, liquorice notes, fine framed tannin. Well balanced and elegant wine.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2019

  • Château Giscours

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Château Giscours
    • Country: France
    • Region: Bordeaux
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Deep garnet. Rich, ripe cedary smokey nose. On palate, good balance, complex. Medium length. Cedeary spice, delicate, minty finish

    Drinking Window: Now to 2014

  • Jacob's Creek Centenary Hill

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Orlando Wyndham Group
    • Country: Australia
    • Region: South Australia
    • Score: 87/100
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    Judges Comments: Defined, fresh vibrant. Spice. Touch of greenness. Nice complexity. Balanced style for Barossa with supple tannins and freshness. Oak tends to dominate this nice wine.

    Drinking Window: From 2012

  • Ninquén Mountain Vineyard

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Viña Ninquen
    • Country: Chile
    • Region: Colchagua
    • Score: 86/100
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    Judges Comments: Rich notes of toasty oak. Richly flavoured, warming, impressive and harmonising well. Big and quite alcoholic.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Callabriga Reserva Alentejo

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Sogrape Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Alentejo
    • Score: 86/100
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    Judges Comments: Good deep colour. Tight on the nose. A lean, traditional rustic style. Slightly lacks generosity and balance.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2011

  • Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Ogier
    • Country: France
    • Region: Vallée du Rhône
    • Score: 86/100
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    Judges Comments: Warm, ripe, stony, sweet fruit nose. Full, ripe, mouth filling palate with savoury, stony notes and chocolaty, nutty, cherryish fruit. Developing well. Good solid Chateauneuf.

    Drinking Window: Now to 2015

  • Duas Quintas Reserva

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    • Vintage: 2004
    • Produced by: Adriano Ramos Pinto Vinhos SA
    • Country: Portugal
    • Region: Douro
    • Score: 85/100
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    Judges Comments: Opaque, elegant, crushed strawberry, spicy aroma, firm tannins, austere yet developing ripe fruit on medium palate. Crisp fresh finish.

    Drinking Window: From 2014 to 2019