TN: 1997 Cassegrain “Hastings River” Cabernet Merlot

[Adair]

TN: 1997 Cassegrain “Hastings River” Cabernet Merlot (12%):

Based on my previous tasting of this wine, I was not expecting much. In fact, the only reason this wine was opened was to be used in my wifeÂ’s beef stew. However, I was most pleasantly surprised when I finally tasted the remaining half bottle, 6 or so hours after my wife opened the bottle.

The wine has developed a treat. Light red like most red wines from the region. The nose is soft. Light/medium bodied. The palate displays touches of developed sweetness, red mulberry fruits, dust, cedar and ripe capsicum. Beautifully balanced chalky/fine tannins, acid still fully contained within the wine. No holes and nothing intrusive. Elegant and enjoyable. Long and restrained, a bit like a good 1980Â’s Coonawarra with definite Bordeaux facets. Unfortunately, I think this is my last wine as I think this wine has just started to reach its drinking window, and will continue to evolve gracefully over the next 4 years. I would love the privilege of trying another in 4 years. The wine proves that good Cabernet is achievable in the Hastings River, although probably not in a style that would be greatly appreciated by today's masses, and this wine is a credit to Cassegrain. Rated Recommended/Highly Recommended.

Adair

[Guest]

I bet they bought the fruit in from Orange or Mudgee.
GW

[Adair]

I bet they bought the fruit in from Orange or Mudgee.
GW

I really do not think so. It does not have the power. I am very confident that this nice little wine is from the Hastings River. I know that this might be seen as a bit of a stretch but I think I can taste the sandy soils within the wine.

Depending on what side of the Cassegrain family feuding you sit, you may or may not think that they would do something like that.

Adair

[Guest]

I would be HUGELY suprised if you could grow cabernet in that humid climate - chambourcin and chardonnay yes...semillon too (per Shoalhaven Region).

Their current merlot/cab is

" The fruit from this wine is sourced from the premium New South Wales wine producing regions of the Northern Slopes, Murray Darling and Hunter Valley. This Merlot Cabernet is deep garnet in colour, (snip)..... this wine can be consumed now or cellared until 2008."


GW

[Adair]

Do you want to argue with the bottle I have in front of me?

I will drop it off at lunch time if you want.

Adair

[Guest]

Do you want to argue with the bottle I have in front of me?

I will drop it off at lunch time if you want.

Adair

I would get more sense out of the bottle than you!
GW

[Muscat Mike]

The bottle could be used to knock some sense into you G Dubya.
MM