Tasted alongside the 2010, and this for me is the better wine. Something like one or two points better, to be imprecise.
Beautiful perfume – all seaweed, dried herbs and violet – then dark fruit, dark chocolate and some coffee, vanilla and spice. Medium bodied and all just so in the mouth – depth of fruit, firm but well rounded chewy tannin, perfect acidity – then flavours of dark chocolate and fresh dark berried fruit carry it long. Again, a regal sort of air, yet relaxed and affable – to walk with kings, and not lose the common touch. Clearly the product of a top Cabernet site (and winemaker). Superb.
Rated : 96 Points
Tasted : Feb14
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $200
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2014 - 2031
Striking packaging on these wines. Change in style with this vintage, perhaps?
Struck match, white peach, some gingery spice and cedar wood. Lighter style, flinty texture, light glycerol feel, well balanced and good to drink. A little callow and unformed as yet, and trails off on the finish somewhat. May be in evolution, but time will tell. Bright and enjoyable, but not quite enough going on here as yet.
Rated : 92+ Points
Tasted : Feb14
Alcohol : 13%
Price : $200
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2015 - 2022
Tasting the 2010, 2011, 2012 Chardonnay releases side by side, and I suspect this bear in the middle is the one that’s ‘just right’.
Hazelnut, light spice, honey nougat, citrus and nectarine. Medium bodied, glossy smooth feel, but bright and energetic with it. Flinty texture, clear acidity and complex flavours. The job’s really done by the finish here – long and tinted with spiced oranges and savoury flavour. Excellent.
Rated : 95 Points
Tasted : Feb14
Alcohol : 14%
Price : $200
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2014 - 2020
Interesting to see the downward progression of alcohol in these wines, starting here.
Has a complex, hazelnutty sort of oxidative nose, almost a pleasant fino/briney tang, dusty spiced cedar oak, nectarine and citrus. Medium bodied, savoury and dry, with lovely bell clear acidity, and a very pleasing amount of light chalky phenolic texture. Length is good. The wine is both airy and complex, though somewhat alternative in style.
Rated : 94 Points
Tasted : Feb14
Alcohol : 14.1%
Price : $200
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2014 - 2018+