Description
"This Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted from the ultra-low-yielding original vines on the estate, planted in 1987, along with fruit from the neighbouring Abbey Vale vineyard, planted in 1985. The ferments were assessed daily, and pumpovers were performed as required to gently extract colour, flavour and tannin. The wine was gently pressed to a combination of new and seasoned French barriques, where it matured in oak for 18 months. Deep redcurrant and mulberry in hue, with immediate aromas of red florals, cherry wood, cedar and intense currant, supported by cassis, bay leaf and brine. The palate shows preserved power and poise, with a seamless, compact tannin profile that will unfold over time but is, for now, saline and youthful. Flavours of Dutch cacao powder, tobacco and complex spice meet sweet fruit notes, presenting a very fine Cabernet with balance and class." – Julian Langworthy, Winemaker
"What a release of this almost-cult wine. Aromatic lift and real depth of flavor with red and black currants, potpourri, cocoa beans and fresh blue fruit as well as blood plums, black cherries, cedar and iron. The profound palate has textural, refined and approachable tannins with a mineral, mouthwatering edge. The cool vintage shows in the wine’s soft, flirtatious appeal. Slightly atypical in style but excellent. Drink or hold." - 97 points, Ryan Montgomery, jamessuckling.com
"Black and red fruit, nutmeg and spice, mint and menthol in the mix, cocoa and bay leaf, some dried flower perfume wafting about. It’s medium to full-bodied, tannin has a firm feel and there’s a lively crunch to acidity, blue and black fruit, a polished and suave character to the wine, biscuitty oak, red and blue fruits close out a finish of excellent length. Cocoa is a theme here, and there’s lots of that, but there’s no doubt it’s a very good expression of Cabernet." - 95+ Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
