The Auswine Forum

The current release from this long-term Margaret River producer. Contains CS, Merlot, and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. 2 years in oak.

Deep purple in colour. A complex nose, with blackcurrant, red berries, fresh plums, with a fair amount of savoury oak, and some dark chocolate. Slight hints of mint and violets. The palate is rich and textural, with velvety mocha flavours and drying tannins supporting the fruit flavours. It's medium to full bodied, without being heavy, and the whole package comes together nicely.

I initially thought this might be too young(I know that previous vintages age well), but it's perfectly enjoyable now. It should get better over the next 5-8 years, and go for a few more years after that.

This is a wine I buy annually - and this is one of the better of the recent vintages. Time will tell.

Cheers
Allan

This was my tasting note from a 2020 vertical tasting of Ashbrook Cabernet Merlots - full post here: https://forum.auswine.club/viewtopic.php?p=1 ... 14#p162720

Ashbrook Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2014 (Cabernet Sauvignon 77%, Merlot 10%, Cabernet Franc 6%, Petit Verdot 7%) 14.8% alc
Purple in colour, crimson rim. A full, rich nose of blackcurrant, dark plums, a hint of violets and cocoa powder, and a little eucalypt. The palate is also quite intense and powerful, again with the fine-grained tannins in support. There’s almost a plush, velvety mouthfeel, and good supporting acid. Full bodied, but carrying the alcohol well.

Tonight, the colour hasn't shifted much in 4 years. Initially, the nose is showing coffee grounds but has opened up a little more with time in the glass to reveal developed black fruits, dark plums and the touch of eucalypt remains. The fuller fruit flavours are on the palate, although quite developed, and the tannins and acid are now in supportive roles. Long finish and looking pretty good for its age. Experience tells me this will not diminish much over the next couple of years.

Cheers
Allan