TN: 01 Majella Cabernet

andigold · Post by **andigold** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:50 pm

I toured this winery in Jan 04 and picked up a box of the 01 Cabernet, at $28 each, after tasting it there. This is the first bottle I've opened and I have to say I'm excited!
Very dark purple colour, still really vibrant. Great nose when opened,
typical Cabernet with lots of black fruit, liqourice & violets. A little
tight with first tasting but follows the nose. 1/2 an hour later has opened
up and delivers plenty of Cabernet character, cassis, lavender and spice
with fine tight tannins. This wine will improve with another 4 to 6 years,
it has the fruit intensity and structural integrity to develop into an
outstanding wine. I'm off to mail order a box of the 02.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 01, 2005 11:11 pm

02 was crap for Coonawarra. I suggest you try before order or wait for TORB reporting season.

Bill · Post by **Bill** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 1:56 am

Anonymous wrote:02 was crap for Coonawarra. I suggest you try before order or wait for TORB reporting season.

I'd generally agree with you about 02 being crap for Coonawarra, however I've tried the 02 Majella and it's very very good indeed. Tasted next to the 01, I didn't think it was quite as good as the 01 (I rated 93 points for the 02 and 94 for the 01), however I suspect it just needs a little time. It was drinking beautifully on the 3rd night. First night 01 was slightly better, second night they were pretty equal, and third night the 02 was clearly better in my opinion.

Anyway, it's definately worth trying.

Bill

TORB · Post by **TORB** » Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:35 am

Anonymous wrote:02 was crap for Coonawarra. I suggest you try before order or wait for TORB reporting season.

No need to wait, I tried it at Plonk Oz.

Majella 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon PlonkOz04

Fresh dusty aroma well supported by loads of leafy notes and menthol. The fruit intensity is good and whilst there is noticeable minty green characters, the fruit is ripe and also exhibits chocolate and finishes pretty well. Powdery tannins supply a solid backbone and the oak which is also solid, has been well judged. Muscular in weight, the wine is vibrant in every respect, it is a veritable baby that demands time. Rated as Recommended with *** for value, the rating should improve as it matures and it is worthy of cellar space.