Goundrey Reserve Shiraz 1999

The back label should read: Still amazing.

And it is. There wasn't really any doubt. A fantastic wine. What colour! Deep rich red tones, no hint of brick or rust. On the nose, all pepper and spice (anise and bayleaf), showing great bottle age characters of leather/cedar over dried black red fruit and foresty mulberry. A savoury, well-balanced mouthfilling drop of plush tannins that has great length.

Perfect for steak, pale lamb chops, or a rare roast with accompanying requisite herbs.. I can't justify opening the 2000 for another wee while. It deserves the same respect and I must wait.

Still.. with rustic slowcooked lamb, rosemary roasted root veggies and roast garlic mash accompanied by this crisp late autumn weather, I am very tempted.