TNW: Olivia Coonawarra 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon

[Anonymous]

Has anyone tasted the Olivia Coonawarra 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon? This is the information I copied from GetWinesDirect:

"This wine was sourced from ReschkeÂ’s most prestigious Coonawarra Terra Rossa block which has produced ReschkeÂ’s super premium Cabernet at $115 a bottle. It was masterfully made by one of CoonawarraÂ’s most prestigious winemakers in Peter Douglas (Formally WynnÂ’s Chief Winemaker) and Andrew Byers of Olivia wines. The wine is subtle yet intense, fruit driven but complex. It combines a bouquet of cassis, chocolate, plums and forest fruits with subtle oak characters and a complex earthiness. It possesses a rich full-bodied palate structure, with fine-dusty tannins and a seamless opulent finish. Enjoy now or cellar up to 10 years"

[Red Bigot]

I bought a case on spec and am happy with the value, forget the hyped US price mentioned (I saw the 2001 version listed in USA for around USD30), but it's a good $A20+ value for $15.

Oddly for a straight cabernet, it's in a 'burgundy' bottle. From memory, nice bright berry cabernet fruit, just a tad above medium-bodied, but some nice fine tannins, slightly bitter to start, but not at all green and breathed up nicely, a slight donut in the middle palate at present, but should fill out, will cellar for at least 5 years.

I also enjoyed the 2001 Lawrence Victor Estate Coonawarra cabernet, now seems to be back in stock @ $11.95.

Hope Gavin doesn't mind, but he doesn't stock either of these....

[Guest]

Both of these are interesting wines for the wrong reasons.

I ran into Peter Douglas and asked about the Olivia, he didn't know anything about it! Someone else mentioned it was a lebel done for the US that hadn't performed very well over there hence the appearance here.

There's a rumour that Lawrence Victor may be finished as a producer and they're clearing stocks at very low prices to generate cashflow. Their Coonawarra Ale, a boutique beer, has disappeared from the market and they've sold off their brewery equipment.

The crap that some of these cleanskin and clearance houses come out with for RRP is amazing. I assume it sucks in quite a few punters who genuinely believe the price quoted and think they're getting a real bargain at a fraction of the cost.

[Red Bigot]

Both of these are interesting wines for the wrong reasons.

I ran into Peter Douglas and asked about the Olivia, he didn't know anything about it! Someone else mentioned it was a lebel done for the US that hadn't performed very well over there hence the appearance here.

There's a rumour that Lawrence Victor may be finished as a producer and they're clearing stocks at very low prices to generate cashflow. Their Coonawarra Ale, a boutique beer, has disappeared from the market and they've sold off their brewery equipment.

The crap that some of these cleanskin and clearance houses come out with for RRP is amazing. I assume it sucks in quite a few punters who genuinely believe the price quoted and think they're getting a real bargain at a fraction of the cost.

Agree re crap, the web-site listed on the back of the Olivia lists Andrew Byers as the winemaker, not Peter Douglas, so no surprise he doesn't remember it. At the price claimed it definitely wouldn't sell.

Re LVE, sad to see a winery go, but again not too surprising in the current market, they never seemed to be able to sell their wine, the 99 Cab is still listed I think and it was released in 2000. Looks like getting 5 Winestate stars for the 01 Cabernet came too late or was just the kiss of death.

[Red Bigot]

FWIW, further info when I enquired at GWD about the wine-maker:

Good Afternoon Brian,

Thank you for your enquiry. The following are my notes from the General
Manager of this particular vineyard, Phil Stone.

"The wines were made by Peter Douglas with my then wine maker Andrew Byers.
The wines were made in the Coonawarra with Andrew travelling to Coonawarra
on a regular basis whilst these wines were being put together".

Our web site is undergoing some changes at present and below you will see
some winemakers notes for your information. Should you require any further
information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Olivia Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2002:
Actual alcohol:13.0% v/v at 20c.
Total Acidity: 5.4 g/Lt
Total Sulphur: 44 mg/Lt
Appearance: Clean, Ruby, deep purple hue on the rim.

Nose: Blackcurrant, rhubarb and stewed plumbs [sic]. Herbaceous with a hint of
chocolate/mocha. Good varietal characters, well integrated oak.

Palate: Lifted fruit flavours, rich plumbs and blackcurrant, herbaceous.
Excellent fine tannins with persistent fruit flavours. Elegant, understated
oak add to the complexity of the overall style.

Food: Good match for Game meats and full flavoured cheeses

[Anonymous]

Thanks Red Bigot.. I might look into this further.

[TORB]

Thanks Red Bigot..

No need to be formal about it, you can address him by his first name, just call him Red.