Dark chocolate, black fruits, lifted aromatics - the hallmark traits of McLaren Vale Cabernet
Good Results
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"superbly stuctured, elegant wine"
John Fordham
Year: 2013
Editorial: "White shiraz has been all the rage at McLaren Vale in recent times, don't for one moment underestimate the potency of cabernet sauvignon in this renowned region. With fruit meticulously chosen from vineyards owned by Drew Dowie and Norm Doole, winemaker Chris Thomas and veteran sidekick Brian Light have created a superbly structured, elegant wine from an A grade vintage." (2010 Vintage)
Reference: Highlife Magazine, Bowral, NSW
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93 POINTS
James Halliday, Wine Companion Magazine
Year: 2013
Editorial: "Has held very good crimson purple colour; sourced from the three vineyards owned by the three proprietors of Dowie Doole, matured for two years in 35% new oak (mainly French) with 5% shiraz in the blend. A full blooded, full-bodied McLaren Vale cabernet, with layers of blackcurrant fruit and well-integrated and balanced oak, the tannins ripe and equally well-balanced. 13.5% alc." (2010 Vintage)
Reference: www.winecompanion.com.au
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"a cracking cabernet"
Kerry Skinner, Illawarra Mercury
Year: 2013
Editorial: "A cracking cabernet from a winery that continues to be one of McLaren Vale's unsung heroes. Rich and opulent with layers of black and plum fruit, minty characters, integrated spice and supple tannins." (2010 Vintage)
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92 POINTS
Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
Year: 2012
Editorial: "McLaren Vale Cabernet; not to be underestimated. Here’s some fine value. Redcurrant, cedar, aniseed, spice. Medium bodied, nutty oak in support, aniseed and a mix of red and black fruits. Has fine tannin, even flow, a bit of cuddly coconut/vanilla oak cropping up, but a very well balanced and tasty wine, done well. Excellent!" (2010 Vintage)
Reference: www.winefront.com.au
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91 POINTS
Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front
Year: 2012
Editorial: "Tasty cabernet sauvignon from Dowie Doole. Medium weight. Ripe and juicy with a dusty edge. Mulberries and blackcurrant. Toasty/musky oak is neatly tucked into the fruit. Lively, satisfying finish. Good example of what McLaren Vale can do with cabernet. Will drink well young but will hold on for many a year too." (2010 Vintage)
Reference: www.winefront.com.au
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92 POINTS
Tony Keys, The Key Report
Year: 2012
Editorial: "Slight minty character which I found very attractive, still a youthful wine but one that will change I think for the better as it matures. At $25 this is a wonderful wine and one I enjoyed drinking after tasting with supper 92 now and more to come extremely good value." (2010 Vintage)
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"feel a direct connection to the vineyard"
Julian Coldrey, Full Pour
Year: 2012
Editorial: "I feel a direct connection to the vineyard that's rare at any price point, let alone in a red costing $25.The palate is beautifully weighted - not too heavy, not insubstantial, acid-driven yet with a smattering of drying tannins. The flavour profile is clear and fresh, vibrant red fruit winding around more savoury varietal notes and light touch oak. Intensity is moderate, as is density of fruit." (2010 Vintage)
Reference: www.fullpour.com
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94+ POINTS
Phillip White, InDaily
Year: 2012
Editorial: "THIS smackingly elegant and precise Cabernet jumped straight up my nose when I walked into it in a recent line-up of about two dozen of McLaren Vale’s top Cabs. It was immediately obvious for its vibrancy and freshness. It was not over-oaked; it was obviously not too alcoholic, gloopy or jammy. Its fruits are juniper, blueberry and blackcurrant, with alluring hints of violet and lavender, all vibrating like an aromatic hologram above a bed of carbon and black velvet.. Other winemakers could learn much from this wine’s understatement: its modesty itself seems cheeky and entertaining...For its outstanding quality, that’s a very pretty price, too!" (2010 Vintage)
Reference: www.indaily.com.au
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"very crisp and concentrated"
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Advocate
Year: 2011
Editorial: “notes of blackcurrant capsicum, Provence herbs and tree bark with hints of pencil leadand cloves. Medium-full bodied, very crisp and concentrated” (2009 Vintage)
Reference: www.erobertparker.com
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SILVER MEDAL
2011 McLaren Vale Wine Show
Year: 2011
Editorial: Class 12 - Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 and older (2009 Vintage)
