Lifted aromatics of dark cherry, mulberry, tobacco, mint and dark chocolate. A really fresh and vibrant palate, crunchy red cherry, blackberry, brambly, cedary oak and spice. The tannins are firm, savoury and grippy and bring a delightful rigidity to the wine. Will blossom in time. Points: 93/100
61% cabernet sauvignon (providing the grunt), 30% merlot (seduction), 9% petit verdot (the cannonball). It all comes together well, and there's no argument about the grunt provided by the cabernet, or the overall length. The flavour descriptors, incidentally, are those of Snake and Herring. Points: 94/100
Instantly a calm elegance to this; aromas of briars and violets, cranberries and cedar, high-toned and fine. Low on width but full of length and drive - red cherry and raspberry acidity, just enough flesh to add charm to its fine tannins. A huge fan. Will live a very long time. Points: 95/100
Beautiful wine. Long and elegant but with plenty of substance. Creamy, red-curranty, slipped with bay leaf and flicked with herbs. But it’s the fruit, the svelte fruit, that captures. And then it’s the tannin, firm and fine-grained, that locks you in. Not to mention the perfume. In short it’s a lovely medium-weight wine Points: 94/100
The beautiful soft and delicious fruit of Frankland River has provided the basis for this excellent rhone-influenced blend. There's a mix of spices and herbs floating over the plush raspberry and plummy fruit. Seamless integration of tannins and a dab of oak to complement. Great mouthfeel. You can feel the energy here. Points: 93/100
Class 43, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Associated Varieties 2018 & Younger, 95 Points
