The Auswine Forum

G'day

I've been following this winery's flagship red blend for some time now, and in fact hosted a vertical tasting last year: http://forum.auswine.club/viewtopic.php?p=1 ... ld#p164989. Since then, the 2019 has been released.

The last few JM Reserves have been Cabernet dominant; by comparison, the 2019 is Shiraz dominant for the first time in this wine's history. In fact, it is a blend of 60% Shiraz, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Durif, matured for 18 months in 100% new French and American hogsheads.

Deep purple in colour, ruby on the rim. A concentrated nose of dark plums, blue and blackberries, vanilla, a little leather/polish, coconut, clove and cedar. The palate is also full and rich, with lots of sweet fruit (without being jammy). Tannins are evident and grippy, and there's sufficient acid to provide freshness (without dominating). The wine finishes full and long, and is very satisying. Well balanced, and history tells me this should improve over the next decade or so.

Cheers
Allan

An update 2.5 years on:

Similar colour with garnet rim. The nose remains dark fruit dominant, with leather and vanilla in support.

The palate has softened somewhat, with fruit flavours stepping back a little (they were pronounced before), and more savoury notes (cedar, leather) and spices (clove in particular). Tannins remain grippy and there's plenty of acid. Full and long finish.

So, some signs of development, but plenty of life left in this one.

Cheers
Allan