TN: Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

[Waiters Friend]

Purchased when I visited the cellar door in 2016. My note at the time was:

The 2013 Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon has been a long-time favourite, but I have not seen too many recent vintages. Apparently 2013 was a pretty wet year in McLaren Vale, and the wines will not be as long lived as a result. This is from vines planted in 1972, and spends 24 months in (30% new) oak hogsheads. It’s deep purple red in colour and quite bright in the glass. It’s got big mulberry, blueberry, blackcurrant and vanilla, with the fruit dominating some grippy tannins on the palate. Needs a couple of years.

So, why did I leave it so long to crack the next bottle? It's definitely more developed in the past 3.5 years. The primary fruit is starting to turn secondary, but there's still enough fresh dark fruits and supporting acid to keep this well and truly alive. Tannins and acid provide grip, and the mocha and vanilla oak is still present, although integrating somewhat. Very long finish and full flavoured.

Possibly near its peak, but I don't think there's too much of a rush - I may open the next one in a year.

Cheers
Allan