I toured this Coonawarra winery in Jan 04 and picked up a box of the 01 Cabernet, at $26 Oz each, after tasting it there. This is the first bottle I've opened and I have to say I'm excited! Very dark purple colour, still really vibrant. Great nose when opened, typical Cabernet with lots of black fruit, liqourice & violets. A little tight with first tasting but follows the nose. 1/2 an hour later has opened up and delivers plenty of Cabernet character, cassis, lavender and spice with fine tight tannins. This wine will improve with another 8 to 10 years it has the fruit intensity and structural integrity to develop into outstanding wine. I'm off to mail order a box of the 02. :)
TN: Majella Cabernet 01
Jan 16, 2005
3 Replies
Your notes sound very much like mine do.... this is a real value in a world full of mediocre cabernet's. If you can find the Shiraz, check it out as I find it to be even *better* than the cab!
Cheers, Gary
Hi Gary I was a little underwhelmed with the shiraz at the winery (I had just come from McLaren Vale) a good wine but not a classic (to me). That Cabernet though is looking fantastic, I picked up some Leconfield & some Parker (mostly Terra Rossa Cabernets with a few First Growths thrown in) and I have to say they are looking decidedly ordinary beside the Majella. The only other Cab I have been really impressed with from that trip was the DiGorgio Lucindale Cab Sav '01. Though I tasted & brought it at the Coonawarra Winery it's a Limestone Coast wine from near Robe and is a super wine. Doesn't have the structure to live as long the Majella but is drinking really well now & for the next 4 or 5 years. Cheers Andrew
Hi Andrew,
I wonder if you had a different vintage Shiraz at the winery than I got here in the US....? I think I had 2001 or 2002, but not 100% on the vintage.
We used to get Leasingham's cabernet here, and it was quite tasty. I haven't been able to find it now in a couple of years so don't if it still is as good as I remember. Unfortunately, Alabama is not a big market for Aussie cabernet although we get a good supply of Shiraz.
Cheers, Gary
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