2003 Mt. Billy Antiquity Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

15% abv. Ancient vines. Some sediment. Dark purple color; opaque. Ripe dark berries on the nose along with a milk chocolate scent. The high alcohol content shows up in the mouth with a sweet berry compote aspect also presented in the wine. Too over-the-top for my taste. (from my CellarTracker posting)

[Jenise]

15% abv. Ancient vines. Some sediment. Dark purple color; opaque. Ripe dark berries on the nose along with a milk chocolate scent. The high alcohol content shows up in the mouth with a sweet berry compote aspect also presented in the wine. Too over-the-top for my taste. (from my CellarTracker posting)

Without knowing for sure one way or the other and regional differences aside, I get the impression that 03 was a pretty hot vintage in Australia. The only two I've had were, like yours, rather "over the top", even for Oz.