92 Pts Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Bright yellow-gold. Powerful, deeply concentrated aromas of buttery apple, pear, yellow plum and butterscotch, with a subtle mineral quality adding energy. Deep and brooding, offering weighty orchard and pit fruit flavors that completely coat the palate. A major mouthful of wine, finishing on a sweet melon note, with impressive length. This was reportedly cropped at less than three-quarters of a ton per acre and is rich and weighty enough to serve with a cheese course." -92 points- Josh Raynolds- International Wine Cellar

"The Colonial Estate is based in the Barossa Valley in South Australia, near to Adelaide. In 2002 we started buying small blocks of vineyards in the northern 'arc' of the Barossa Valley in South Australia, drawn there by 120 year-old dry-grown vines which only a place that has never seen phyloxera can produce. Our whole approach to making wine in Australia has been French influenced, so it is this ethos that guides us. Handpicking, sorting tables, wooden vats, etc separates us from most Australian wineries." -Winery

"Fermentation takes place in a cool-room at 14°C and the malolactic fermentation, again in a barrel, was at 50%. The wine is aged on its lees for around nine months, or until the required fruit/weight/oak balance is achieved."

"Attractive straw-yellow robe with golden highlights. Ripe, fresh and creamy, the nose has already a complex pallet of acacia, white peaches, pineapple, and citrus fruit underlined by a subtle hint of oak, the Burgundy barrels providing an extra dimension of toastiness. Crisp and fruity with excellent weight and concentration, the 2005 possesses rich, honeyed flavors and a long aromatic finish." -Importer

See this wine on Cellar Tracker: http://www.cellartracker.com//wine.asp?iWine=478656