Category Archives: Cabernet et al

2009 Forester Estate Yelverton Reserve Cabernet

Posted on April 28, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Forester Estate have always frustrated me but this is downright confounding; $62 for what seems to be no more than a pizza wine. I guess you’re paying for the word ‘Reserve’ on the label. Unsatisfactory depth of flavour at the … Continue reading →

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2011 Madfish Premium Red

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Tempranillo, 3% Pinot Noir, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot sourced primarily from the Margaret River and the Great Southern regions And no, I did not successfully pick each of … Continue reading →

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2012 Evans & Tate Metricup Road Cabernet Merlot

Posted on April 17, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Soft, regional Margaret River Cabernet Merlot that you’ll probably be able to track down at a less expensive price than the one listed below. Smells and tastes of roasted capsicum, redcurrants and blackberries with some minty refreshment and olive tapanade … Continue reading →

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2011 Alkoomi Cabernet Merlot

Posted on March 24, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

I liked this a touch more than the Shiraz. Minty, vegetal characters on the nose. Blackberry, plums, leaf, cheap cedar oak. Basic grainy tannin for shape. Softly fruited. You could go here. 86 Region: Great Southern Alcohol: 14.0% Closure: Screwcap … Continue reading →

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2011 Gemtree The Phantom Red Blend Three

Posted on March 19, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A curious blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Mataro, 15% Petit Verdot and 10% Merlot. Even more curious in its cohesive articulation. Layered flavours and plenty of them. Cassis, plums, Autumn leaf, wet bark, violets, chocolate and brine. It exhibits … Continue reading →

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2013 De Bortoli Sacred Hill Cabernet Merlot

Posted on March 18, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Not my favourite Sacred Hill wine. Distinctly cordial-like. No faults though. Ribena, faux plum juice, grainy tannin without much finesse. Low grade oak input. A hint of leaf. Perfunctory drinking but then again, you’re not paying a lot. 83 Region: … Continue reading →

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2010 Cradle of Hills Cabernet Shiraz

Posted on March 9, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A dense, full-bodied wine. 80% Cabernet, 20% Shiraz. A touch too warm for my tastes but that aside it has a lot going for it. Cassis over plums, choc-licorice bullets, a velvet mouth-feel and good length. The powerful fruit has … Continue reading →

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2009 Henry’s Drive Shiraz Cabernet

Posted on March 5, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

The great Australian blend, this time from Padthaway. Not a great example unfortunately. Hot, hollow and spirity. Full-bodied. Plum pudding, mint, vanilla custard and spice. Shrill acidity. Hard work. 81 Region: Padthaway Alcohol: 14.5% Closure: Screwcap Price: $35 Tasted: February … Continue reading →

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2012 Wirra Wirra Church Block

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

Wirra Wirra’s Church Block has turned forty years old. We’re now the same age. Fitting considering I grew up with the wine – after I was of a legal drinking age of course. 49% Cabernet, 35% Shiraz, 16% Merlot. That’s … Continue reading →

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2011 Mr Riggs Three Corner Jack

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Jeremy Pringle

A blend of Shiraz, Cabernet and Merlot from McLaren Vale. Blackberry pastilles, raspberry jellies, pepper, leaf. Stalky, firm tannin. Mocha oak. Feels gussied up with too much eye shadow. Cordial sweet on entry then hard, mean and unforgiving on the … Continue reading →

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