We’ve enjoyed a number of tastings in the past where the theme specified a vintage ‘or older’ – however this time we went for a 'horizontal' for a change. 2016 was a reasonably good year for Bordeaux blends in W.A., most of southern Australia, and, dare I say, Bordeaux.
So, we asked for the wines to contain a minimum of three of the Bordeaux red varieties (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Carmenere) and be from the 2016 vintage only. Most wines were Cabernet Sauvignon dominant, but there were one or two alternatives in there, as well as one wine that was legally labelled as ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ because the three other varieties were almost trace elements
Not surprisingly, Margaret River and Coonawarra were well represented, but we managed to sneak in a South African wine, and three Bordeaux. Unfortunately, two of the Bordeaux were a) the same wine and b) both Brett affected so I have not included those.
As usual, the wines were tasted blind, and the notes below reflect those of the group as a whole.
Nightfall (Coonawarra, S.A.): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Blackcurrant, red plums, tobacco / cigar box and mocha on the nose. There’s an attractive fruit sweetness to the palate, alongside green capsicum, mint and tomato leaf. Acid is prominent and there’s fine drying tannings and a medium to long finish. Highly regarded by the group.
Alkoomi Blackbutt (Great Southern, W.A.): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Initially a restrained nose, with blackcurrant, tobacco and some earthiness. The palate was a little more expressive, with cocoa / chocolate, and blackcurrant predominantly on the mid-palate. Tannins are very drying; by comparison, the acid is quite soft. Medium to long finish and the group reckon this is as good as it is going to get. Well regarded by the group.
Rustenberg (Stellenbosch, South Africa). A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The nose showed mulberries, damsons, and (unusually) candy and beef stock. There was beef stock on the palate as well, along with black tea and brambles. Drying tannins and high alcohol. A divisive wine.
Higher Plane “The Messenger” (Margaret River, W.A.): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Stewed black fruits and menthol on the nose. A lot happening on the palate, with blackberry, rhubarb, juicy dark plums and mocha. Tannins are drying but not prominent. Complex and well balanced, and plenty of years left in the tank. Well regarded by the group.
Chateau Grand Cassat (Pomerol, France): We suspect this is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc (happy to be corrected). A bolder nose than some of the previous wines, with plush black fruits, dark cherries, menthol and some smokiness. There’s Christmas cake/ brandy on the palate alongside more dark fruits. It appears to be high acid and high alcohol, with drying tannins. Full bodied and perhaps opened too young.
Woodlands Clementine (Margaret River. W.A.): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. There’s some fresh strawberries among the expected blackcurrant, dark plums, menthol and tomato leaf on the nose, along with an earthy tone. The palate shows choc/mocha, cola, plums, fine tannins and supporting acid. A touch of burnt sugar as well. This wine showed elegance and restraint.
Cullen ‘Mangan’ (Margaret River. W.A.): A blend of Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Initially, some port-dipped cigars on the nose, followed by black plums and dark berries. Ripe black juicy fruits open the palate, alongside black olive. Tannins are integrated, and acid plays a modest supporting role. However, the wine was flat in the glass after less than 10 minutes. Something’s not right.
Ashbrook Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Margaret River. W.A.): Mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, with small quantities of Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. One taster referred to “cherries in jelly” on the nose. There’s also violets, vanilla and dried Italian herbs. The palate has more violets and florals with dark plums and berries. There’s good supporting acid and tannins are integrated. Medium to long finish and totally in balance. Highly regarded by the group.
Highbank (Coonawarra, S.A.): A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Lots of mint, chocolate, tomato leaf, blackberries, cassis and dried herbs on the nose. There’s more mint or eucalypt on the palate. This was the first wine to show noticeable glycerol and was almost mouth-coating. Prominent tannins, good supporting acid and a long finish. Quite well balanced, and well regarded by the group. Wine of the night was the Nightfall – a wine most of us had never heard of. An interesting tasting, with a couple of left-field wines in there. Thanks to all who joined us. Cheers
Allan