Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

 

 

This wine is a blend of all five Bordeaux grapes; 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and in a supporting role Malbec 2%, Cabernet Franc 2% and Petit Verdot 1%, with maturation taking place in French oak for 10 months. This wine is unfined, but filtered, listed as dry, and alcohol comes in at 13%.

 

This wine is a textbook Aussie Cabernet Sauvignon with aromas of black currants, blackberry, damp earth, mint, savoury spices, black pepper, espresso and toasty notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, robust, firm textured but not overbearing, low acidity and fine drying tannins. Very good length on the finish, very masculine with layered dark fruit, savoury and earthy notes with a fine tannic grip lingering. Definitely more Bordeaux than Australia in style with a lot of life left here, best enjoyed in 2-3 years. Well made, enjoyable, score 89 points. 

     

Purchased October October 13, 2012 LCBO Vintages New Release (283077) at $29.95

Xanadu Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

This wine is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon at 87% with a dash of Merlot at 9% and Petit Verdot in a supporting role at 4%, maturation taking place in French oak for 14 months of which 40% is new oak with alcohol coming in at 14% (on the label) but tastes a little higher.

 

Great nose on this Cabernet with aromas of dark plum/cherry fruit, cassis, violet, spicy with forest floor notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied with fine texture, spicy ripe berry flavours and fine grained tannins. Great flavours and spicy on the finish, with a bit of heat from the alcohol at the finish.  This wine definitely benefited from 2 years in my cellar with the result, a Cabernet with well integrated tannins and robust flavours and texture which you would expect from a good Cab. Very enjoyable and a very good value, score 91 points.

Purchased October 2, 2010 LCBO New Release (059956) at $19.95

Evans & Tate Metricup Road Shiraz 2009, Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia

 

This wine is a blend of 90% Shiraz and 10% Merlot, maturation in new and old American and French oak barrique to mature for 12-15 months. This Shiraz opens up with aromas of cherry, plum-blackberry fruit, vanilla and cedar notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied (with alcohol at 14.5%), loads of energy, bright spicy flavours, crisp acidity and grainy tannins. Very good length on the finish, fresh, spicy and fruit focused. A very enjoyable, elegant and food friendly Shiraz, strongly recommended. Score 89 points.  

Purchased August 18, 2012 LCBO New Release (606905) at $19.95

Howard Park Scotsdale Shiraz 2008, Western Australia, Australia

This gorgeous single vineyard 100% Shiraz was aged in French oak barriques for 18 months. This wine opens up with aromas of plummy-blackberry fruit, dried herbs, spicy and sweet vanilla notes. On the palate, a medium-full bodied with alcohol coming in at 14%, rich and concentrated flavours, silky tannins and fresh acidity giving the mouthfeel a nice lift. The finish is long with ripe fruit and savoury flavours lingering. A Shiraz with great aromatics, very elegant, well balanced and very enjoyable. Strongly recommended, score 93 points.

Purchased through the LCBO Australia First Family of Wine event at $37.00