1998 Fox Creek SHIRAZ Reserve, Australian

98 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 1998 Fox Creek Shiraz Reserve is one of my benchmark Aussies and continues to age beautifully. Cassis, blackberry and earthy underbrush aromas are balanced out by pine resin and subtle balsamic aromas, and this is as smooth and pure as can be. The palate is full-bodied, perfectly balanced, structured, precise and amazingly long. I could drink this every night. (9/2008)

96 points Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

The 1998 Shiraz Reserve has the most potential of this trio. It combines some of the mature elements of 1997 with the massive richness of 1996, but without the 1996’s slightly rustic framework. Dense purple color is followed by a sensational bouquet of creme de cassis, charcoal, and incense. Full-bodied, opulent, and voluptuously-textured, this is a big, but incredibly well-balanced wine. Its fruit bomb-like personality of a decade ago has morphed into something far more civilized, delineated, and refined. This gorgeous offering is a superb example of McLaren Vale Shiraz. Enjoy it over the next 10-15+ years. (RP) (6/2009)

95 points Vinous

Saturated ruby. Sappy crushed blackberry aroma lifted by floral and minty components. Urgent, dark berry and bitter chocolate flavors offer great lush freshness and vigor. There’s nothing raisiny about this nearly painfully delineated shiraz. Extraordinarily penetrating, firmly tannic finish. Aged in American oak but oak was the last thing I noticed. Extraordinary juice. (ST) 95+ (7/2000)

90 points James Halliday

Dense purple-red; wine in the large magimix fruit and oak style with everything thrown into the blender, with substantial American oak whipped up with dense berry fruit. (10/1999)

Wine Spectator

A firm, juicy and jam-packed with fruit, a lively mouthful of blackberry, plum and pepper flavors that linger with subtle hints of vanilla and spice on the polished finish. (HS) (9/2000)