TN: 2008 Mike Press Wines Cabernet Sauvignon

[n4sir]

2008 Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (screwcap): Vanilla, blueberries/cherry cola and black bitumen on the nose, more vanilla and black jubes on the palate; there’s a sensation of warmth but it’s never over-the-top heat, finishing dry and mineraly with some white pepper; with breathing there’s custardy rhubarb, sweet tobacco, black liquorice/dark chocolate and tar. My first impressions were that it’s warmer, slightly oakier, riper and an earlier drinker than the 2005 & 2007, but with 4-5 hours breathing in a Deco decanter there’s real potential. Regardless it’s still a bargain, right now a great mid-week Spag-Bol wine, but I sense an X-factor there too.

Cheers,
Ian

[Chad]

I'm having a 2008 Mike Press Adelaide Hills Cab Sauv tonight. I hope it's as good as your tasting notes suggest. If my previous experiences of MP wines are anything to go on, it'll be very very good. To date the 2007 cab sauv was my favourite MP wine, closely followed by the 2008 shiraz. I was speaking with Mike the other day & his words regarding the 08 CS was, "It's a big bugger". Looking forward to it.

Chad

[Hindmarsh]

I loved the 2008 Cabernet, especially for the price. I really appreciate how much nice new oak Mike sensitively integrates into such affordable wines. The 2007 Shiraz was a little hot on the alcohol compared to the 2008 for me, but both of these were also good.

As an affordable white wine with friends, the 2009 Chardonnay is also a great drop (just dont be expecting too much complexity).

Great winery.

[Matt]

2008 Mike Press Wines Adelaide Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (screwcap): Vanilla, blueberries/cherry cola and black bitumen on the nose, more vanilla and black jubes on the palate; there’s a sensation of warmth but it’s never over-the-top heat, finishing dry and mineraly with some white pepper; with breathing there’s custardy rhubarb, sweet tobacco, black liquorice/dark chocolate and tar. My first impressions were that it’s warmer, slightly oakier, riper and an earlier drinker than the 2005 & 2007, but with 4-5 hours breathing in a Deco decanter there’s real potential. Regardless it’s still a bargain, right now a great mid-week Spag-Bol wine, but I sense an X-factor there too.

Cheers,
Ian

Hi Ian
Any idea how are these travelling? I have the opportunity to grab a few that's all.
Cheers

[daz]

I've a bottle left from a case of MP shiraz 2012, the only vintage of MP shiraz I've bought since the first or second. But I have bought several vintages of the cabernet that have long since been consigned to metabolic processes so can't comment other than to opine that those MP cabs I've swilled seemed to have the structure to cellar for 8-10 years, perhaps longer. If you don't have an aversion to vanillin American oak and the price is $15 or less, jump. The usual price for new releases is $150/doz.

[n4sir]

Hi Ian
Any idea how are these travelling? I have the opportunity to grab a few that's all.
Cheers

Hi Matt,

I haven't tried one recently. This normally would have been a good prod to get me to do it, but I'm just out of hospital and will be at least another week out of action before I try anything.

Cheers,
Ian

[Matt]

All the best Ian for a speedy recovery...I would really appreciate one of your 'tilted glass' reviews when you are able to.
Cheers!!