Terre a Terre 'Crayeres Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz 2018

"It would be hard to imagine two better credentialed owners than Xavier Bizot (son of the late Christian Bizot of Bollinger fame) and wife Lucy Croser (daughter of Brian and Ann Croser). ‘Terre a terre' is a French expression meaning down to earth. The close-planted vineyard is on a limestone ridge, adjacent to Tapanappa's Whalebone Vineyard." James Halliday

“Mid to deep crimson (appreciably darker than the Cab Franc/Shiraz 2018). Nicely melded nose dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. Spreads right across the palate. Still lots more to give but the tannins seem to be counterbalanced by more ripe fruit than in the Cab Franc blend. Quite long and sophisticated. A worthy representative of a definitely Australian varietal combination with a bit of French finesse thanks to winemaker Xavier Bizot.”  Jancis Robinson

"Full, yet structured from the outset: varietal parts of blackberry, cassis, wooden pencil, deep violets and lavender while 2nd billing Shiraz offers pepper and leather. Suggestions of mint and eucalypt give a regional stamp over mocha flecked oak. Smooth, yet firm and cooling, akin to polished marble and just as persistent as the rock itself. Top tier showcase of the “Australian” blend that will be just as exemplary in 5 years time.” Rating: 94 Points.  Regan Drew, vinonotebook.com

"I first saw this wine around six months ago and in that time it has jumped ahead leaps and bounds but it still needed a couple of days to show its best, starting out a little closed, so best cellared for a little while at least. But with some air it all came together beautifully. Mid to deep ruby in colour, the warmer 2018 vintage is on show with lovely bright, sweet fruit aromas; black and red currants, mulberry plus a faint leafiness with white pepper spice in the background supported by generous oak. The palate is a little more serious with fleshy dark fruits tempered by savoury baked earth complexity well supported by plenty of mouth-coating tannins. There is also an excellent sense of balance and harmony suggesting a long life ahead."  Rating: 95 Points.  Angus Hughson

“French pedigreed winemaker Xavier Bizot, now SA-based, makes his Australian statement. Cabernet sauvignon takes the lead here at 62% share with Shiraz 37% and Cabernet franc just 1%. Ripe black currant flavours in abundance, with a clever mix of barrel maturation, delivering an elegance to the overall glorious black fruit profile, the Shiraz adding mid-palate plumpness. Classic cab-shiraz tannins are neatly balanced, providing a fulfilling conclusion.”  Tony Love