RBNZ wine appreciation society - Cabernet blends

RBNZ
Tasted Thursday, August 9, 2012 by forecaster with 404 views

Introduction

This was the third installment of the society, with David taking the lead this time in selecting the wines. The focus was very much on the more affordable end of the spectrum and on wines that had at least a degree of age on them.

Flight 1 (5 Notes)

  • 2008 Vidal Estate Cabernet-Merlot 86 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

    Dusty nose. Perhaps struggling a bit for ripeness reflecting the mediocre vintage. Where's the tannin?

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  • 2002 Vidal Estate Cabernet Merlot Reserve 88 Points

    New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay

    Nose is showing definite signs of age. Very earthy aromas. Plenty of acidity still, probably a bit excessive, and moderate tannins. Finishes far too short.

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  • 2006 Peter Lehmann Mentor Cabernet 89 Points

    Australia, South Australia, Barossa

    Heady nose, perhaps a bit overripe. A good wine, but too overripe for me. Reasonable length.

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  • 2000 Château Lanessan 90 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    This was the definite highlight of the tasting. Reasonable degree of bricking. Far better balance than the Australasian wines. Significant earthiness. Mellow and food friendly.

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  • 2001 Château Lanessan 88 Points

    France, Bordeaux, Médoc, Haut-Médoc

    Tasted a little jammy to me which I found surprising. A far lessor wine to the 2000. A wee hint of tannin still on the finish.

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Closing

The definite highlight of the tasting was the 2000 Chateau Lanessan, and apart from that it didn't reach any great hights. The Peter Lehmann wine was pretty disappointing to me as the highest priced wine of the night as it tended to being gloopy and overly alcoholic as is so often the case with Australian wines. The New Zealand wines were reasonable, but there are better wines available in the same price range.

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