Ranked #8 of 61 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon from Clare Valley
93/100
4.5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Very deep, dense blackish brick-red colour, with a brown tinge. Black olive, developed, slightly overripe fruit aromas. Not very cabbish, and there's a hint of earthy, machine oil, almost 'dead fruit' character. This has been strongly oak-infused. Rich and fruit-sweet, almost jammy and tannic, somewhat clumsy, but has stacks of character and flavour, though.
Tasted: 11/06/2013
Drink: 2013 to 2027
96 Points Robert Parker
A new offering that I have never tasted before is the 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon The Benbournie, a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 14 months in French oak. This spectacular effort admirably demonstrates what can be achieved in Clare Valley with Cabernet. (See the wines of Kilikanoon as well.) Gorgeous peppery, minty, black currant, and flowery scents jump from the glass of this inky/purple-hued wine. Full-bodied, powerful, intense, and rich, with notes of roasted meats, dried herbs, and spice, good purity, and a sensational finish, it is accessible now, and should drink well for 15-20 years.
Source: Robert Parker (Robert Parker Wine Advocate) by Robert M. Parker, Jr. October, 2006
91 Points James Halliday
Deep colour and equally deep-flavoured wine, with blackcurrant fruit at the extremely ripe end of the scale, the tannins and oak well-handled. Drink to 2017.
Source: James Halliday. March, 2008