A wonderful expression of the variety, showing blackcurrant, cigar, warm spice and elegant oak characters on the nose, followed by a gracefully rich palate offering silky texture backed by chalky tannins. Powerful yet sturdy and refined with a lengthy engaging finish. At its best: now to 2038.
94 Wine Pilot
This very fine Margaret River Cabernet included a percentage of whole berries. A cool fermentation with cultured yeasts and twice daily pumpovers. Over time, the fermentation temperature was allowed to rise to 28°C. A portion then spends extra time on skins, the reasoning being that this will soften the tannins. Then to barrel for 18 months maturation. One third of the barrels were new French oak with the remainder, a mix of one, two and three years old.
Opaque maroon in colour, the aromas weave through blackberries, mocha, tobacco leaves, spices and dry herbs, plums, coffee beans and a hint of chocolate. A supple and seductive texture leads to the most delicate tannins. A fine line of acidity runs the length with good fruit intensity at all times with more rich chocolate notes emerging on the palate. This has ten years in it, more resting in a top cellar.
