By Maggie Harrison – former Sine Qua Non, currently also at Antica Terra.

Brandon first introduced me to the Lillian 2013. I don’t enjoy syrah/shiraz most of the time. In fact I really, really dislike new world Shiraz. In my limited exposure, they have often turned out to be even more of an abomination than a lot of new world cabs: severely overripe and over-oaked to the absolute tits.

The 2013 needs a lot of air. Like, 60-90mins in a decanter. It transforms from a dense overly oaked and overly sweet smelling wine, to something quite remarkable. Complex and finessed. Wouldn’t say it was a great wine, but it was goooood.

My one complaint was the insanely high degree of alcohol that wasn’t well balanced with the wine, and it was just TOO intensely big for me.

The 2018 vintage was a much colder vintage and smaller production (279 cases). Winemaker’s note suggested higher acidity AND lower alcohol (it’s barely any diff), and it’s supposed to be a fresher and more elegant vintage. I guess we shall see; that WOULD resolve my biggest apprehension about the label.