Reviewed: 10 September 2012

This was a big tasting, with a number of excellent wines. My notes are relatively brief due to the number of wines involved.

The Evans & Tate Classic represents particularly good value!

Reviewed

Driftwood Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 2009 (18). Appealing nose on this, whilst the palate is finely structured. This is a very elegant style of wine that balances ripe, though restrained fruit with super fine tannins and oak. Should develop very well in the medium term, as the wine opens to show lovely ripe fruit that is quite firm. Very long, the oak and tannins have been expertly managed.

Cape Mentelle – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Wilyabrup – 2010 (17.9). Another superb wine that has ripe, precise fruit and enough savoury notes to add interest. Chewy, but not dense on the palate, this is so refined.

Brookland Valley Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 2010 (17.5/18) Lovely eucalypt and mint over ripe, though quite reserved fruit. The palate has good concentration, though the acidity and tannins dominate. Give it a few years to settle and you will be rewarded.

Amberley – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Secret Lane – 2011 (17.5). Lovely cassis and blackcurrant fruit here. The palate is bursting with juicy fruit that is vibrant, but there is enough acid to keep the finish fresh. Typical of the style that many winemakers are striving for with this blend. This is an excellent early consumption red that delivers exactly what the consumer will expect.

Anniebrook – Shiraz/Tempranillo – 2011(17.5). Wow, this took me by surprise. Lovely ripe and rich shiraz, with a little structure and minty fruit. Licorice and spice flesh out the finish and the length is good. Being more about the fruit, this is really drinkable.

Arimia – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 2009 (17.8). Textbook nose that showing red fruits, mint and eucalypt. The palate has cedary oak over fine tannins. The gentle fruit has good length and is quite fine. Should settle with a year or two in bottle and become excellent drinking.

Evans and Tate – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Classic – 2011 (17.5). Red fruits with hints of cherry and spice. The palate is very spicy, though the fruit builds on a finish that is carried by the fine acidity. Develops perfumed fruit on the palate. Mouth-watering finish needs food, but this is a bargain!

Flying Fish Cove – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – 2011 (17.5). Structured and quite dense. The nose only hints at potential right now. The length and texture are excellent, though the fruit is quite subdued. Very fine wine that has been expertly made, the points are for potential.

Peccavi – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – No Regrets – 2008 (17.5). Dense and structured fruit on the nose. The palate is firm, though everything is in balance. The talc like tannins match the weight well, while the oak is not obtrusive. A good effort.

Plantagenet – Pinot Noir – Omrah – 2011 (17.3). Dense and structured, this is a smart wine that will really build. Fine tannins, supple oak and a savoury finish complete the package.

3drops – Pinot Noir – 2011 (17). Opens with up-front fruit in the strawberry and cherry spectrum. The palate has quite rich fruit and chewy tannins that add life. Silky, sweet fruit and a savoury edge on the finish.

West Cape Howe – Tempranillo – 2011 (17). Richer, riper fruit that whilst appealing, is very new world in style. The fruit on the palate is riper, sweeter and denser than the Express Winemakers, though the finish has trademark drying tannins. Good length to the flavours, this represents a good each-way bet.

Leeuwin Estate – Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot – Prelude Vineyards – 2007 (17). With concentrated aromas that balance mint and red fruits, this has really appealing fruit characters. The palate is vibrant and fresh, with enough tannin and acid to sustain a very long finish. Not overly dense, but really good use of the fruit.

Driftwood Estate – Merlot – 2011 (16.9). The nose is quite dumb, but has some menthol and spice. The palate is firm and structured and speaks of good quality cooler climate fruit. The winemaking is spot on with the subtle oak highlights adding interest. Good length and persistence, this is more Bordeaux like in style than the others here. Needs a few years.

Express Winemakers – Tempranillo – 2011 (16.7). Fresh, almost sappy fruit on a nose that is full of life. Balances sour cherry and strawberry fruit flavours well. Not that dense, but this suits the style. This is a wine that is good drinking.

Hamelin Bay – Rampant Red – 2009 (16.5). Does not give much away on the nose, but the palate is a riot of ripe fruit and robust texture. This is a great mid winter red that has been aptly named.

Miles From Nowhere – Merlot – Limited Lot – 2010 (16.5). Rich plummy fruit that remains fresh and interesting. Some licorice and spice too. The palate has excellent balance between savour fruit, silky tannins and souring acidity. Good mid week red.