"There are three "icon" wines in the portfolio. The opaque purple-colored 2006 Ares is a 100% Shiraz cuvee sourced from Barossa (77%) and McLaren Vale (23%) which received some "200% new oak" treatment. Following a barrel selection of the winery's best Shiraz (not all of which was in new oak), the wine spent its last 12 months of elevage in 100% new French barriques. It offers up a room-filling perfume of toasty oak, pencil lead, vanilla, pepper, sage, plum, and blueberry pie. Opulent and layered on the palate, this extracted, mouth-filling effort has tons of succulent fruit, savory flavors, and a very long, fruit-filled finish. It will reward 6-8 years of cellaring and have a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2031." 97/100, Robert Parker: Wine Advocate # 181. Feb 2009. Reviewer : Jay Miller.

"Polished and generous. A plush mouthful of cherry, blackberry and creamy spice flavors that linger effortlessly on the long, open-textured finish. There's power in this wine, but it lurks below the glassy, seamless surface, ready to grow and get more complex with aging. Shiraz. Drink now through 2020. 500 cases made." 96/100, Wine Spectator: Issue: Oct 15, 2008. - HS.

"Inky purple. Hugely aromatic nose displays vivid scents of blackberry, cassis, graphite, licorice and lavender. Shockingly lithe and precise, with vibrant red and dark berry, mineral and cured tobacco flavors supported by suave, velvety tannins. Becomes sweeter and juicier with air, finishing with nervy minerality and outstanding persistence. A very deft blend of power and finesse." 94/100 Stephen Tanzer: Jul/Aug 08. By Josh Raynolds.

"Dense crimson; there is no point in grumbling about the alcohol, for the wine takes no prisoners. Recalls Robert Parker's glowing description of a Barossa red as unfortified vintage port to which he gave 99 or so points. In that context, this is as good as they come. Cork." 94/100 James Halliday, winecompanion.com.au