The color is crimson, but will develop some amber tints from its oak maturation and later bottle age. The aroma is varietal with a complex of berry ripeness with huge intensity reflecting the vintage conditions. Strong lifted aromas of variety and oak. The flavor is rich and fruity. A soft and rich middle palate with oak tannin on the finish to balance the intensity of 1999 flavors. The 1999 is a full style but does show a lot more fruit and body weight on the palate than earlier vintages. This wine shows dominance of fruit with hints of smoky oak and grape tannin. A wine made to enjoy while the young distinct but elegant Coonawarra Shiraz characters are evident - berry and hints of black peppers. The oak is minimal but discernible so the small amount of wood tannin and fruit flavors will aid maturation.