This cricket-labeled Cabernet Sauvignon bats it out of the park (how's that for a sports reference?) for nailing Coonawarra character. Tobacco, dusty red raspberry, a hint of medicinal cherry and a pretty floral vein flow through this medium-bodied red. Supple red tannins support the concentration handily, with a welcome nudge of grippy tannins easing the crunchy corners. Brisk acidity and a stony, faintly iron underlay prop up the whole to the finish, one feeling slightly hotter than the 13.5% labeled. Regardless, pouring this with pork chops will earn you a home run (do they have those in cricket?).
Filius translates to “son of” in Latin, describing the relationship between these wines and their Premier “fathers” higher up in the Vasse Felix tier. This rich, stylish Western River Chardonnay certainly carries the lineage, with cream, dried herbs and fragrant wildflowers carrying through to the full, wood-drawn palate. 9 months in French oak (20% new) certainly pumps up the muscular structure, while textured mineral, lemon curd, green apple and wild sage herbaceous notes are brightened with a piercing citrine acidity. Young and bold, this will mellow with 2 to 4 years in the cellar.
From the Wolf Blass stable. A well-priced red blend of 56% Grenache, 44% Shiraz. Deeply coloured with a bouquet of black raspberries and plums; medium-bodied and dry, fruity, jammy on the palate with herbal notes.
Intense purple colour with a nose of ripe plum and blackcurrant lifted with cedar notes. Elegant and well balanced for the price; full-bodied with a firm, tannic finish.
This perennial 90+ point wine does it again in the 2013 vintage. Full-bodied, polished and elegant, it serves up a soaring bouquet of blackberry, plum, mint and violets. The palate adds eucalyptus, vanilla, spice and a chocolate-tinged finish. It should age well over the next 8 to 10 years. For the price, make sure to pick up a few bottles for the cellar.
Exciting stuff! Made only in the best years, this icon wine is without a doubt one of the top Cabs in all of Coonawarra. Concentrated, elegant and layered; there is wall-to-wall plum, blackberry, dark cherry, eucalyptus, vanilla, anise, violets, black olive, herbs and chocolate. With all of the tannin, I suggest holding until 2018 and then drinking until 2032.
Lively fresh grapefruit and apple scents give way to lemon citrus and tropical fruit on the palate. Gentle fruity notes and crisp acidity produce a refreshingly light finish.