1998 Yalumba Mawsons Cabernet Shiraz Merlot (Coonawarra)

[GraemeG]

I keep wanting to write ‘Mawson’s Retreat’! This is a glowing deep red-crimson colour, just fading a little at the edge. The nose is a wonderful blend of ripe blackberries, chocolate, nutmeg, cloves & spices, with just a hint of cedariness. Unfortunately, the palate doesn’t quite live up to this promise, being perhaps a bit simple. It’s well balanced at least, with the 3 grapes combining very satisfactorily to coat the palate evenly with ripe flavours. The wine has a bone-dry, slightly astringent finish – perhaps it will develop some more secondary characteristics with a little more time. Right now it feels neither on the path to glory, nor the road to ruin. By an objective standard (for wines under $20) it’s actually very good, but I was hoping for a little more, based largely on the pre-release tasting I had back in late 99, when I was quite overwhelmed by the richness of it. Ah well, still 3 more bottles in the cellar – we’ll see how it goes.

Cheers,
Graeme

[Attila]

I believe the Mawson's red is 'closed' at the moment, it may come around in the next 2 years.I've never tasted the 1998 but I bought the 1999 vintage which I was most impressed with. It has excellent balance and the blend is really rich. I agree, the Mawson's is an excellent value.
Cheers,
Attila

[Gavin Trott]

I believe the Mawson's red is 'closed' at the moment, it may come around in the next 2 years.I've never tasted the 1998 but I bought the 1999 vintage which I was most impressed with. It has excellent balance and the blend is really rich. I agree, the Mawson's is an excellent value.
Cheers,
Attila

Attila

You found us, welcome.