Whicher Ridge 'Elevation' Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

[Waiters Friend]

I've had several of these over the years, with the most recent tasting being with a group of us in 2021. Here's the note from then:

Whicher Ridge (Geographe): Deep purple in colour. Lots of dark berries, vanilla, tobacco, coffee / mocha, in a rich combination. The palate follows through from the nose, along with red and dark fruits, good supporting acid, and integrated but grippy tannins. Excellent balance and length.

There's not been a lot of development in the intervening two years. The blackberries and dark fruits are juicy, and still dominant (maybe more dominant than before?) and the oak-derived characters have integrated to the point of playing supporting roles only. There's still plenty of acid to provide freshness, and tannins are modestly grippy. The wine still finishes long, but this isn't the major impression - it's almost thirst-slaking, and too easy to quaff.

Not likely to improve (at 11 years of age) but I am glad I held onto a couple more bottles. One to go, in the next year or so.

Cheers
Allan

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[Waiters Friend]

Final bottle tonight, at 13 years of age. Decanted about 30 minutes before service. Still has a deep purple colour and has lightened only slightly.

Initial impressions on the nose are tobacco and coffee grounds, with the developed dark berries emerging with some swirling of the glass. A touch of vanilla and eucalypt also.

The palate retains most of the richness that previous tastings have shown. Juicy red and dark fruits, lip-smacking acid and fine grippy tannins head towards a long finish. As before, surprisingly quaffable,especially given its age.

Cheers
Allan

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