Cabernet (and Rose)
New Release
Reviewed: 20 November 2011
I have been lucky enough to drink some superb wines of late which has had me questioning the scores I give. To that end, I have adjusted my points for the lower end of the range.
So what does the change mean?
For a wine to score 15.5 and thus gain a bronze medal, the wine must be better than drinkable. It must have a degree of typicality and be well made using good quality fruit. At the top end, a gold medal (18.5) has not changed, whilst wines in between will be more spaced out.
As always, if you are reading about it in these pages, then I thought the wines were either good value or of good quality. In effect, I would be happy to have a glass of these wines.
Reviewed
Cape Mentelle – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Cabernet Franc – Wilyabrup – 2009 (17.8). In a different league to everything else in the tasting. Tight and refined, with excellent fruit quality coming through. Really fine, the oak handling is spot on. This is very well made, though it needs time to open up. Has cedar, spice and hints of blackcurrant to the palate. Has great appeal, though another year or two in bottle would serve it well.
Stella Bella – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 2007 (17.3). Lovely wine in a cooler climate package. Supple, elegant, refined and classy. Again, dark fruits, but this is a very subtle wine that needs time. Opens to show rich and quite dense fruit.
Frankland Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon – Isolation Ridge – 2009 (17). The fruit starts off very closed, but opens with lots of air. Lovely ripe redcurrant and hints of fresh plum. I like the finish on this wine, with cedary oak and very fine tannins. The length is impressive and the fruit really builds.
Capel Vale – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Debut – 2009 (16.8). Quite deep smelling and a touch masculine. Smart wine here, with hints of chocolate over dark fruits. Excellent structure for a relatively cheap wine and the tannins have been nicely managed. A good drink.
Angove – Rose – Nine Vines – 2011 (16.4). Outrageous colour. Deeper pink and more wine like than a lot of roses. Nice combination of fruit and acid, with nice structure. This is a dry style that would be great served chilled with a plate of antipasto.
West Cape Howe – Rose – 2011 (16). Actually has some structure, body and character. Not overly sweet, with a mouth-watering finish. Good wine that will take food.
Tyrell’s – Rose – Old Winery – 2011 (15.8). Sweet fresh fruit on the nose and palate. Not a bad drink as there is enough fruit to flesh out the palate.