Category Archives: Cabernet et al

2011 Moss Wood Amy’s

The first bottle of this sent to me displayed an off-putting flatulent reduction that just didn’t want to leave. This one though, is fine. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot. It’s generously fruited and full-bodied. Blackberry … Continue reading

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Is Orange the New Black?

“Other people aren’t the scariest part of prison…it’s coming face to face with who you really are. Because once you’re behind these walls, there’s nowhere to run, even if you could run. The truth catches up with you in here…and … Continue reading

Posted in Articles, Cabernet et al, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer, Merlot, Merlot et al, Orange, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, Sparkling, Wine Musings | Tagged , | 5 Comments

2011 Picardy Merlimont

I’ve not tasted a Picardy Merlimont before and judging from this release, more’s the shame. It’s the same blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc as the standard label reviewed below but there’s a greater sense of gravitas present here. … Continue reading

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2011 Picardy Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc

Wines like this make you wonder once more why Australian Merlot dominant blends aren’t given proper respect when it’s due. And that’s not to mention the lack of interest in Australian Franc. I’ll mark most of it down to ignorance and … Continue reading

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2010 MadFish Premium Red Cabernet Merlot

A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Tastes for the world like it’s from the Margaret River although apparently there’s fruit from the Great Southern and Geographe in there as well. Dense … Continue reading

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2011 Kellermeister Ralph’s Original Shiraz Cabernet

If you’re willing to accept that 2011 was a troubled vintage for most of the Barossa then you’ll see the glass as half-full here. It’s not a bad wine. A fairly typically proportioned Barossan take on the Shiraz Cabernet blend. … Continue reading

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2010 Tahbilk Old Vines Cabernet Shiraz

Tahbilk made their first Cabernet Shiraz blend in 1972 but this label is the new kid on the block. It should probably come with the warning “Not Suitable for the Eucalypt Intolerant” but otherwise it’s a very good wine which … Continue reading

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2011 A.Rodda Cuvée De Chez

When it comes to most of South East Australia, 2011 produced a lot of mediocre to bad red wines and more than a few surprises. This Bordeaux blend from Adrian Rodda falls in the latter camp and it’s a good … Continue reading

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2009 Voyager Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot. A wine of pedigree and it’s in excellent form with this release. Matured in tight-grain French oak, half new, for 18 months. “We don’t have a problem with you noticing the oak … Continue reading

Posted in Cabernet et al, Margaret River, Merlot et al | Tagged | 5 Comments

2011 Wirra Wirra Church Block Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz Merlot

Truth be told, I feared for my beloved Church Block as it approached its 40th anniversary with the 2011 release. Fortunately it’s come out looking okay. It won’t be remembered as a great year but it should still show enough … Continue reading

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