Important Update From the Founder Read message >

Australian Cabernet Shiraz and Book XVII (Blind tasting)

Tasted July 29, 2016 by cab blends with 323 views

Flight 1 (5 notes)

Red
2004 Hundred Acre Vineyard Shiraz Summer's Block Ancient Way Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
94 points
Rich and integrated from the start. Light fruit aromas with a moderately long finish and nice tannins 7/10
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2005 Glaetzer Shiraz Amon-Ra Barossa Valley Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
93 points
This should have had decanting and I think it will improve significantly. Popped and poured tonight.

A young yet light fruity nose. Tannins at 7.5/10. Clearly the acidity comes through in the nose and on the palate. Body seemed thin and this is where decanting would help.

A sharpness and heat on the finish.
1 person found this helpful Comment
Red
2012 Wirra Wirra Cabernet Sauvignon Dead Ringer Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
91 points
High tannins at 7.5/10
Red
2007 Torbreck The Factor Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
88 points
Black tires on the nose which was not exciting.

Nice strong body 7/10 with high acidity.

On the palate smoother and balanced
Red
2002 Torbreck RunRig Australia, South Australia, Barossa, Barossa Valley
90 points
A very interesting nose that was appealing. Green non-sweetened maraschino cherries. The best nose of the night so far.

A rounded and integrated body although it was on the lighter side (6/10). The body had a sweetness. Nail polish was a little problem that held this back then the finish went beyond that and was enjoyable.

Tannins 6.5/10

When it was unveiled I was quite surprised.

Flight 2 (3 notes)

Red
2013 De Toren Book XVII South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
94 points
Rounded and smooth body. This seemed a lot older. Say 2005 or earlier. The layers are apparent.

Very drinkable now. Almost a concern that this is so drinkable now given only I hour decanting.

I had expected a lot more tannins and body. Definitely drinkable now and in the future
Red
2013 Mvemve Raats MR de Compostella South Africa, Coastal Region, Stellenbosch
97 points
Wine of the night.

Green pepper and chewy with bacon and a strong backbone (must be cab franc) Strong acidity and can have more decanting. Strong tannins (8/10)

Decanted for 3 hours.
2 people found this helpful Comments (2)
Red
1998 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape
93 points
© 2003-24 CellarTracker! LLC.

Report a Problem

Close