From Mandala’s twenty year-old home site in Dixons Creek. It’s no shrinking violet and it’s not my preferred interpretation of Yarra Valley Cabernet but to some extent that’s beside point. The fruit spent two years in French oak, 50% of it new.
Awash with crème de cassis, kirsch and mulberry. Some earthy licorice root characters as well. Thick set, full-bodied and deluxe with layers of flavour and rich, creamy chocolate oak. It has structure but it’s not a stern wine. The tannins are ultra-ripe and supple. Plenty of length too. So long as you aren’t chasing elegance in your Cabernet then you’ll probably find much pleasure here. 91+
Region: Yarra Valley
Alcohol: 14.0%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $50
Tasted: July 2013
Good summation. A steep price, but a real crowd pleaser for Yarra Valley cellar door hoppers when some are looking for something to break the Pinot / elegance cycle.
Thanks Tony. I do find these sort of wines the most difficult to rate (thankfully there’s a tasting note to fall back on). I just don’t really have any desire to drink them myself – but to deny the enjoyment many get from them seems a bit elitist…or something. It is a hefty price tag but I reckon a lot of people will love this. And more power to them.
Whenever I take non industry types out to the Valley, I always include Balgownie just so there’s the Bendigo Shiraz & Cab thing going on for the non-Pinot types. At least one or two in any carload cite it as their highlight of the day as a result.
Just goes to show what you can learn if you don’t spend all your time hanging around industry types