TN: Whicher Ridge "Elevation" Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

[Waiters Friend]

Cathy and Neil Howard released their first wines in 2008 - however, I believe this was the first of the Elevation cabernets

I first reviewed this wine following an in-store tasting in 2015 (and posted on this forum). My notes on the 2008 at the time were:

"A fabulous nose which combined some savoury development alongside stewed blackberry, black plum, mocha and leather. This was supported by some excellent oak (apparently this was 100% new), fine but mouth-puckering tannins, and the wine showed a balance of fruit and development"

The wine has got a little better in the intervening years. There's blueberry and blackberry jam on the nose, with dark chocolate and savoury oak. The palate is lush and a little like molten chocolate mixed with the berries. Tannins are totally integrated, offering slight grip, and the supporting acid combines to a long and almost viscous finish.

Thoroughly delicious. It's a shame it's my last bottle. Next a look at the 2010s sand 2011s, but no hurry.

Cheers
Allan