Ranked #5 of 15 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot from Yarra Valley
96/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
Excellent depth of bright red/purple colour, with a bouquet that suggests coffee grounds, mocha, gunsmoke and spicy fruit-oak interactions. Tobacco and briary notes, lovely wine. The palate is full-bodied and intense, appropriately firmly-structured and driving, with superbly tight but fine, elegant tannins that linger on the aftertaste. Another marvellous 2018 Yarra 'Bordeaux blend'. (46% cabernet sauvignon, 46% merlot and cabernet franc, 8% petit verdot. 540 dozen produced)
Tasted: 28/11/2020
Drink: 2020 to 2040
95 Points James Halliday
Predominantly cabernet sauvignon and merlot, with smaller amounts of cabernet franc and petit verdot. Classic aromas you want to see from this blend, with subtle blackcurrant, redcurrant, tobacco, mulberry, mint and just a touch of green herb and leaf. Perfectly medium bodied, the wine flows evenly along the palate, escorted by superfine tannin. The flavours really linger on the finish. Drink to 2038.
Steven Creber. May, 2023