On May 16, 2016, Toronto Vintners took members on a tour of the top Cabernet Sauvignon producing areas of Australia which include Barossa, Clare Valley, Coonawarra, and Margaret River. While there are regional and varietal differences, all produce fine, quality red wines. There are elegant, medium-bodied examples through to full-bodied, powerful reds full of intense black fruit flavours, with oak to match, and firm tannins with long aging prospects. We featured some of the best wineries in each of these regions and are very fortunate to have at least one winemaker attending our event! Our guest speaker was Nicholas "Nick" Hirons, president of Terra Firma Brands.
THE WINES
2002 Elderton, Ashmead – Barossa Valley $69 “This wine has evolved beautifully, giving pronounced notes of cassis, red cherry and prunes with some spice, coffee and hints of moss and black olives. Full-bodied yet wonderfully elegant and balanced, the tannins here are still quite firm supporting the rich fruit with plenty of acid to enliven. This vintage is delicious now though should continue to cellar to 2016+.“ Wine Advocate #192, Dec 2010. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 93/100
2010 Ringbolt, 21 Barriques - Margaret River $45 “Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon gives a pure, intensely fruited nose of ripe black currant, black cherries and pencil shavings with touches of lightly grilled bread, dried mint and chocolate box. Medium-bodied with just enough clean, vibrant flesh, it has a medium level of grainy tannins and crisp acid, finishing with medium to long persistence. Drink it now to 2016. “eRobertParker.com #202, Aug 2012. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 87/100
2010 Leeuwin, Art Series- Margaret River $59 “The still youthful, deep garnet-purple colored 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Art Series shows bay leaf and cigar box notes over red and black currants, with tree bark and earth inflections. Medium-bodied, taut and very firm, it has a solid backbone supporting muscular, slowly maturing fruit and finishes with excellent length and finesse.” Drink: 2017 - 2024 eRobertParker.com #223 Mar 2016. Lisa Perrotti-Brown. 93/100
2010 Moss Wood, Moss Wood Vineyard - Margaret River $115 “Deep garnet-colored with a hint of purple, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon presents pronounced cassis, warm blackberry and spiced plum aromas with hints of dried mint, lavender, violets, cigar boxes and Chinese five spice. Medium to full-bodied with great poise and expression even at this primary, youthful stage, it has a firm level of fine-grained tannins and a lively backbone of acid through the finish with great length and depth. Approachable now, it should drink best 2015 to 2024+.“ eRobertParker.com #208 Aug. 2013. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 95/100
2010 d'Arenberg, The Coppermine Road - McLaren Vale $50
Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon is redolent of stewed plums, black currant cordial and dried Mediterranean herbs with suggestions of tree bark and menthol. With a good line of medium to firm grainy tannins this medium-bodied wine also has refreshing acid to support the muscular black berry and herbal flavors, and a long length on the finish. Drink this wine now to 2017+. eRobertparker.com Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013, Lisa Perrotti-Brown. 88/100
2012 Dog Ridge, Most Valuable Player - McLaren Vale $73 The maritime climate of McLaren Vale produces high quality cabernet if vintage conditions are right, and they certainly were in '12. Very good colour; cassis is the fruit driver, accompanied by nuances of plum, cedar, oak and earth, the tannins exactly what is needed to provide long-term structure. (20-Jan-2014) 96/100 James Halliday, Wine Companion
2010 Wynns Coonawarra Estate, John Riddoch, Coonawarra $100 Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 John Riddoch Cabernet Sauvignon has pronounced black currant, black cherry and cedar notes with nuances of lightly browned toast, roses, game and rosemary. Medium-bodied, the palate is already a joy to drink, though this wine is showing only a fraction of its potential. Elegantly fruited and tightly wound, it has a firm level of fine-grained tannins and a refreshing acid backbone. It finishes with laudable persistence. Drink it from 2014 to 2026+. eRobertParker.com Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013. Lisa Perrotti-Brown. 95+
2010 Kilikanoon Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Clare Valley $35 Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is scented of black currant, cinnamon stick and nutmeg over cedar and pencil lead notes. With tons of taut fruit, the medium-bodied wine has lifted acidity and firm, very fine tannins. It is a very pretty and impressive wine that finishes long. Drink 2014 to 2022+. eRobertParker.com Wine Advocate #205, Feb 2013. Lisa Perrotti-Brown 93+