I’m trying to locate the Omensetter Vineyard (from which the grapes for this wine were picked) on Google maps. It appears to lie about halfway between Tatachilla and Willunga. The winery website mentions “the south-western lip of McLaren Vale”. It was planted in 1997 with two hectares dedicated to the Reynella clone of Cabernet Sauvignon. It certainly has the minty qualities that historic clone is known for.
Violets, licorice, rock salt and a high note of particularly perfumed tea mingle with blackcurrants, earth and beetroot. Coffeed oak plays no small part but has a real affinity with the fruit and its flavours. If there’s one thing that marks all these Brash Higgins wines I’m tasting, it’s texture. Brad Hickey seems to have an innate grasp of how to work it into the finished product. This Cabernet has energy and fervour up-front with a creaminess to the mid-palate and the most palpably sensual, nutty tannins. Gorgeous to feel and taste. 94 Excellent
Region: McLaren Vale
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $37
Tasted: May 2013