2006 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon
Coonawarra
13% alc
Screwcap
Must be the weather - my second cabernet for the week. Much as I love the stuff, I'm not normally that consistent in my drinking habits. Have tried this once before in a lineup of successive vintages and had very fond memories, happily reconfirmed.
Straight into the decanter as this this is tight. Beautifully luminescent deep ruby / garnet and no rim development to speak of. Shy and reserved first up, but progressively unfolds to display blackberries and blackcurrants, rich chocolate notes, some very sexy oak, a hint of spearmint that goes nowhere towards tipping into underripeness or greenness, and a while later shows a little pencil shaving and some plum. With the patience I am under-endowed with, I think this would continue to unravel into more and more interesting aromas. In a word: complex.
The palate on this is rocking, and very, very Bordelais in nature. Some very assertive tannins up front, but oh so silky. Induces copious cheek licking, but I'm loving it. Very tight and focused for an Aussie Cabernet, and the 13% alcohol feels so very classy in the mouth. This is elegant Coonawarra, the likes of which I've not seen in a long while. I intend buying some more of this, as I reckon this has a long life ahead of it.
TN: 2006 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon
TN: 2006 Bellwether Cabernet Sauvignon
"I can certainly see that you know your wine. Most of the guests who stay here wouldn't know the difference between Bordeaux and Claret."