Less eucalypt than the 2009 Eric Stevens Purbrick Cabernet or the 2010 Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz but it would be remiss of me not to mention it. A New Zealand writer and wine judge wrote recently of eucalyptus taint. I think that’s a tough call. It could just as easily be described as a feature of terroir. But if you put all the theory aside it’s something you either like, tolerate, or can’t stand. Perhaps in that sense it’s not that different from wines that employ a large percentage of whole bunches or use a lot of new oak. I often wonder if our theories are nothing more than apologetics for our aesthetics.
Intense black fruits, prominent and sweetly spiced vanilla oak and a warm finish. Hearty fare. I think the Cabernet, which I’ll review shortly, is the better wine and I’m not convinced by the value here but it’s a good wine nonetheless. 91
Region: Nagambie Lakes
Alcohol: 14.5%
Closure: Screwcap
Price: $69.50
Tasted: September 2013