mjs wrote:TA - what about some of the other cabs in that tasting. What seemed good? What not?
All in all a very good and interesting tasting. For most there the 2011 vintage was preferred as a whole but I loved the 2010s.HIgher high in the 2010s for me, even if 2011s crowd pleasers. Served in flights of 5.
2010s:
Leeuwin: As above.
Moss Wood: Silky, softer, rounder fruit, plenty of oak, good depth.
Gladstones: Real surprise for me. Top wine. Earthy, cassis, great weight but retains wonderful elegance.
John Riddoch: I wrote in my notes TWE, thinking either JR or Bin 169. No shortage of oak but gee its got a mountain of quality fruit there. Had it a couple of times now, very very impressive.
Heytesbury: Fresher, livelier acid but a fraction simple for me.
Woodlands Heather Jean: Superb, maybe a touch heavy on the oak but flavoursome, fine knit, nice mineral kick to it. One of my favourites.
Bin 169: Decadent! Unusal word to describe a cabernet, clearly describing Penfolds first. Bit of formic acid, once JR had been revealed was obvious what this one was.
Cullen DM: My favourite of the 10s. I've been doubting my enjoyment of Cullens for a little while now (wife even weighed in saying why we still buying this wine) but this was singing. Youthful, balanced, fresh. Certainly a gentler style following the 169 but length to burn.
Cape Mentelle: Blackcurrant, red fruits, juicy, good length. Primary, no rush.
2011s:
Cullen DM: First bottle screwcap, rich and ripe. Not usual descriptors I think of with Cullens. Those who knew the order suggested opening a second bottle (from cork no less). Much better wine. Earthy, gentle tannins, long finish. Must have had this vintage at least half a dozen times and this was the best I'd seen it.
Coudburst: Polished, no rough edges, oak, graphite, balanced fruit and acids. Liked it a lot but at the price I didn't want to. A good friends pick of the 2011s.
Woodlands Alex: Very good, coming along nicely.
Moss Wood: Plenty of Moss Wood critics these days, but a good bottle of Moss Wood still lifts the table for me. This however was not one of those, bit disjointed and one of the weakest.
Heytesbury: Classic MR characters, good drink, lacked x-factor for me though.
Cape Mentelle: Dusty, fragrant, needs time but plenty there.
Gladstones: Red fruit, great flavors, nice and fine.
Cherubino: Something I couldn't put my finger on the nose that I didn't like. Bit tarry, grippy, huge fruit. Others loved it but not for me. PLenty in the tank. Hopefully I'll try it again someday.
Leeuwin: as above
Jack Mann: Very fragrant and complete nose. Fruit, oak, tannins just in great waves of layers, really liked this. Hope good bottles of 2012 turn out like this
Hope that helps mjs. Vintages 12 v 13 in a few weeks........
Cheers
TA
