July 28, 2017
The Cabernet Wizards of OZ!!! (Australia)
1. 2004 Clarendon Hills Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman
Vinous / Antonio Galloni - "Deep ruby. Exotic, floral and spicy on the nose, with powerful scents of cassis, kirsch, anise and dried flowers. Full-bodied and sweet, with a chewy, youthful texture and broad, deep red and dark fruit flavors. Lush and beautifully balanced, the cherry flavor building and sweetening on the long, velvety finish. A superb example of herb-free, fruit-driven cabernet." Rated 93 Vinuous
"The inky/ruby/purple-hued 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Brookman Vineyard exhibits classic aromas of cassis and graphite along with a well-balanced, rich, full-bodied, intense personality. One of the estate’s more forward, elegant offerings, it is best drunk during its first 12-15 years of life." Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
2. 2002 Kaesler Cabernet Sauvignon Barossa Valley
Checking-in on some older vintages, the 2002 Cabernet is giving a deep garnet-brick color and earthy, gamey notes with an undercurrent of dried fruit and spice cake plus a whiff of dried herbs. Its structure is holding firm with crisp acid and a high level of tight-knit, fine-grained tannins. With great concentration and a long finish, it still has another 10 years+ of cellaring potential. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate
3. 2012 Robert Oatley Finisterre Cabernet Sauvignon
"Pure, medium-weight, well-powered fruit bearing a coat of cedary, smoky, slinky oak. Balance feels off at first but as it rests in the glass it (relatively) quickly sets itself to rights. Bay leaf, peppercorn, blackcurrant and redcurrant. Long finish, complete with ultra fine tannin." Rated 94 Australian Wine Companion
"Well oaked, showing plenty of espresso-like char and brown sugar on the nose, this is a full-bodied, creamy-textured Cabernet. Mocha and caramel flavors continue the theme, backed by just enough cassis fruit. Drink now–2025." Rated 91 Wine Enthusiast
4. 2012 Balnaves of Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon
"Estate-grown, coming from the Dead Morris, Walker and Quarry Vineyards; it spent 20 months in French oak from top coopers. Full crimson-purple, it is a luscious, full-bodied cabernet, crammed with cassis fruit, quality oak and substantial tannins. Time is on its side, and it really needs 3-5 years before it is first approached." Rated 95 The Australian Wine Companion
"This isn't Coonawarra's most elegant wine, but it certainly doesn't lack for character or concentration. Menthol, vanilla, cedar and cassis deliver plenty of flavor in this chunky, full-bodied Cabernet. Charred, mocha-like notes emerge on the long, intense finish. Drink now–2025." Rated 91 Wine Enthusiast
5. 2013 Howard Park Cabernet Sauvignon Miamup Margaret River
"Held for 18 months in French barriques. The colour is good, the varietal expression crystal clear, black olive, bay leaf and dried herbs woven thro ugh the predominant cassis fruit; the tannins are well balanced and integrated, oak likewise." Rated 94 Australian Wine Companion
"Appropriately restrained and even a bit austere, this is a firm, dusty-textured Cabernet. Vanilla, tobacco and cherry notes start things off and extend through the long finish. It offers at least a decade of aging potential at a very reasonable price." Rated 91 Wine Enthusiast
6. 2013 Tahbilk Cabernet Sauvignon Victoria
"Excellent crimson-purple hue; herb and bay leaf announce their presence on the bouquet, blackcurrant quickly following and taking control on the palate. A very successful Tahbilk Cabernet." Rated 94 Australian Wine Companion
"Intense and concentrated, with black walnut overtones and firm, espresso-tinged tannins complementing a mix of savory notes and underbrush and plum flavors. Complex and harmonious on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2026." Rated 90 Wine Spectator
7. 2013 Two Hands Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon
"Deep, dense crimson-purple; flooded with the swirls of cassis and dark chocolate/choc-mint flavours of McLaren Vale, alcohol no problem; oak and tannins are largely observers of what is going on around them." Rated 95 Australian Wine Companion
"Firm in texture, this savory style wraps a moderate grip of tannins around orange peel – accented black fruit and tar flavors, coming together on the focused, expressive and seductive finish. Drink now through 2020." Rated 91 Wine Spectator
8. 2015 Molly Dooker Cabernet Sauvignon Gigglepot
The 2015 'Gigglepot' is an inky colored Cabernet Sauvignon which delivers aromatics reminiscent of black olive, tar, coffee grounds, cocoa and suggestions of blackberry pie. There are deep, concenreated flavors that coat the mid palate with flavors of graphite, boysenberry pie and mocha with a slight saline streak, which grab your attention, as does the exceedingly long finish. This has lovely fruit weight and viscosity through the long finish. Rated 93 International Wine Report