BLEASDALE Cabernet Sauvignon Mulberry Tree 2003
What is it about labels with photos that capture one's attention faster than mere text? That could have been the case when I reached for this bottle and placed it in my shopping cart. The picture at the top is probably of Frank Potts, who arrived in south Australia in 1850 and established this winery, along with some of his associates. Or, it could be a current generation of descendants. Attired in tall Aussie style hats and work clothes, they look like the type of characters that one would be loathe to encounter in a dark alley, especially after a healthy round of imbibing.
Having sampled myriad examples of Cabernet Sauvignon from France, Chile, Napa, Sonoma and elsewhere, the first thing that I would say is that this resembles none of them in style. It has a character all its own, with hints of mint and eucalypti present. Eighteen months in French and American oak did not overwhelm the grape at all. It was a bit jammy, and yet refined at the same time.
The nose and aftertaste went on and on. My hand breaded butterflied pork chop with Basmati rice was well paired with this glass, as was the wee piece of Parmagiano Regiano that followed.
If one could draw a parallel, it would be with a big band song of yesteryear, that featured Ellla Fitzgerald, if memory serves correctly.
“Was it Red?” “No no no no!” “Was it Blue?” “No no no no!” “Just a little Yellow basket!”I'll have to look hard to see if there is another piggy bank that I can break open to acquire more of this, if it is still available.
Godzilla