Category Archives: Cabernet et al

2011 Pyren Vineyard Yardbird Union

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

The Yardbird Union is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. I reckon it’s fast becoming Pyren Vineyard’s signature wine. Make sure you give it a few hours in the decanter before tucking in. Vivacious red and dark purple … Continue reading →

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2003 Redman The Redman

Posted on February 22, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

Often, flagships can be a letdown. No such problem here. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Merlot that’s in a gorgeous place right now but hasn’t finished its journey yet. Intriguing bottle-age characters of meat jus, tomato seeds, jerky, faded … Continue reading →

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2010 Ferngrove Cabernet Merlot

Posted on February 18, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

I’m sometimes (overly?) critical of less-expensive wines for lacking character. Well, there’s some personality here [cough]. Horse stables and raw meat. No, we’re not solely in the realms of pure concocted fruit flavour here – although we have some of that … Continue reading →

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2011 Houghton Red Classic Cabernet Shiraz Merlot

Posted on February 17, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

The less illustrious sibling to the Houghton White Classic. Commercial quaffing wine, priced accordingly. Soft, clean, cordial-like palate of red fruits and plums, vanilla and a few olivey, leafy savoury elements. It’s actually not overly sweet. Oak influence is pretty … Continue reading →

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2007 Redman Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Posted on February 4, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

A tough year to grow grapes in Coonawarra. Frosts and drought took their toll with a lot of stressed vines struggling under the conditions. Scorched red earth, dried black fruit and tanned leather with dried herbs and mint. It’s on … Continue reading →

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2008 Tapanappa Whalebone Vineyard Cabernet Shiraz

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

Brian Croser’s Tapanappa venture has been of interest to me since its inception in 2002 and tasting this makes me very pleased that I have some of the 2004 tucked away in the cellar. 70% Cabernet, 30% Shiraz and a … Continue reading →

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2008 McWilliams 1877 Shiraz Cabernet

Posted on January 29, 2013 by Jeremy Pringle

A multiregional blend of 53% Shiraz and 47% Cabernet Sauvignon made in an old-fashioned manner. Full-bodied, powerful and with lashings of oak. Needs a stint in the cellar. Toasty coffeed/clovey oak, blackcurrants, plums and some respite in the form of … Continue reading →

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2010 Yalumba The Scribbler Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jeremy Pringle

The younger sibling to Yalumba’s deservedly prestigious ‘The Signature’ Cabernet Shiraz keeps turning out the goods for twenty bucks or less. 57% Cabernet, 43% Shiraz and the dominant grape does a lot of the good work. Blackcurrants, plums and raspberry … Continue reading →

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2010 Stonyfell The Cellars Shiraz Cabernet

Posted on November 15, 2012 by Jeremy Pringle

A less expensive weekday wine from a good vintage in Langhorne Creek. Made by the team at Saltram I believe. It opens up meaty and minty with a little HP sauce. A clip of toasty oak accompanies mulberry, cherries and cassis with … Continue reading →

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2011 Wirra Wirra Scrubby Rise Shiraz Cabernet Petit Verdot

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Jeremy Pringle

The last two vintages of this wine have really impressed. The 2011 is by no means a poor wine but it is a bit too vegetal and firm. Rough vintage. 50% Shiraz, 45% Cabernet and the rest Petit Verdot. Strong … Continue reading →

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