This week ended up being Cabernet, quite by co-incidence, as well as getting progressively younger:
'06 Diana Madeline: not great, but not bad. Definitely not a great vintage, and that's reflected in the lack of depth in this wine compared to other DMs. But it's still fruity, with some herb notes. Much lighter than your typical Cabernet blend. Smooth tannins. I don't think I'd keep these for another 5 years
'07 Elderton Ashmead: again, a weaker vintage (but I paid all of $31 for it, so no complaints from me). Again fruity, but with a shortish finish, and some oak notes.
'08 Voyager Estate: one of my favourite Cab Merlots, especially given the price you can get it for (Epiqure in particular have been pushing this vintage, and you can get it for almost $0 in many cases). This has berry fruits at the front, and then chocolate, spice and oaky vanilla at the back. It's light and easy drinking now, but I think it has the acidity and tannins to keep it going to another 5 years. 13.6% alcohol also keeps it light. Langtons classified (Excellent) and deservedly so IMHO
'10 Oakridge 864 Single Vineyard (Winery Block this year) - only 12.4% alcohol - this provides a really interesting mouthful for a straight Cabernet, compared to the usual 14%+. Cassis and fruit, with medium tannins only. Excellent IMHO
Today, an interloper. A colleague at work keeps raving about Barbera d'Alba, so had to acquire some to try. This is my first attempt:
Elio Grasso Barbera d'Alba Vigna Martina 2012 - interesting grape. Ruby coloured. Fruity - sour cherry dominant on the palate. Low tannins, zesty acidity. Decent structure, long finish with some vanilla and savoury spices coming through. No idea if this is typical for Barbera, but it was nice, and I think it would be better with food giving the acidity I was detecting. 89 on CT for me
And to start the weekend (back to Cabernet):
My previous bottle was a dud - dodgy cork had resulted in some oxidation. This one has a perfect cork:
Katnook Odyssey Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 (bottle 344): this is really good - what I like about straight cabernet: there's some fruit (plums, blackberries), with all those other savoury flavours: chocolate, coffee, earth, savoury spices), whilst the tannins are mild and smooth. It's all in balance, there's length to the taste. Excellent. Langtons classified "outstanding" - my main regret is I didn't buy more.
