This was used as calibration wine ahead of a double-decanted blind tasting of eight 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Has the colour, aroma profile and classic dark red flavours of a Cabernet. Obviously lacked the aged factor of the 2012s but a good baseline. Good utility shortstop. Weeknight warrior.

First out of the gate for a double-decanted blind tasting of 2012 Cabernets and the colour of the wine pouring into the glass was promising. Super dark garnet/purple ink almost black obsidian. However, there was definitely a fault on the nose. Some speculated it was corked but it had been decanted for over an hour and most of that potential condition seemed to have blown off and was now kinda soapy and simply sour. “Dirty Dish Rag” and “Feta Cheese” were descriptors. One dimensional note on the palate a well. Med. plus body. Stale and bitter. When this was revealed it was one very stunned group. This is the VHR! This should be magical. Storage conditions were pristine according to the generous owner. Least favourite of the group by far.

Second wine tasted out of eight 2012 Cabernets so it was a material improvement over the faulty Cakebread VHR. Bright dark garnet. Rich extracted dark red fruits – cassis, Amarena cherry, baked plum and roasted fig. Great depth and concentration. Medium plus finish. Only placed fourth but there were some other outstanding wines in the mix.

A bit of genius here on the part of the owner to throw this ubiquitous plonk in the mix of double-decanted blind tasting of 2012 Cabernets. Was still quite fresh out of the glass. Savoury nose; one picked up hay. Fruit had evolved into dried cherries and currants. A bit of a tannic grip on the finish but not in a bad way. This was a revelation. Finished six of eight.

Lovely dark garnet with a purple core. Complex bouquet or as one reacted – “that’s a punch in the face!”. Lots of spice and wood on the nose – cedar, vanilla, nutmeg, roasted nuts. Others picked up a distinct bubble gum aroma. Classic Cabernet dark red fruits carried through on the tongue. A bit sweet-ish. Acid seemed low. A bit sour on the finish. Finished fifth overall.

The only BC Cab in the mix of eight double-decanted blind tasting of 2012 Cabernets. Dark Purple. Rich pronounced nose. Dutch, salty licorice. Tart plum and crunchy black cherry on the palate. Out of balance. Acidic, bitter and a very short finish. Not that iconic. Seventh out of Eight.

This was pleasing in appearance (bright shiny crimson garnet) and so delightfully complex on the nose. Mixed berry and cherry compote smothered on cinnamon toast. Great concentration on the palate without smothering. There was a vibrant energy to this wine. Someone had quality fruit to work with and didn’t dress it up with too much oak or extraction. Well-balanced. Barely missed out on the top of the podium, finished second. Four out of eight tasters had this as their favourite. Sincere thanks to the Roses for picking a spectacular wedding wine for their special day eight years ago and serving this to their friends and family. We’re on our second last bottle. Delish!

Fantastic on the eyes - opaque dark garnet, black core with a touch of crimson on the rim. Pronounced savoury complex nose. Saturate dark red fruits with vanilla spice, tobacco and cocoa powder. This was unctuous on the palate – full-bodied, massive ripe red fruit core with liquorice and mocha. Some evoked blasphemous terms. A bit grippy still but it would pair well with quality protein and a bit of fat. Won the bronze but great effort.

Lustrous black and purple in the glass. Massive nose ranging from initial barn floor to fig paste and raspberry chocolate torte and leather and cigar box. The depth of this wine was spectacular with all the layers of fruit plus black olive, dark chocolate, espresso. This had a finish of over 30 seconds. Integrated, Concentrated and a joy to savour and sniff the empty bowl later. It was a photo finish first place nudging out the Pine Ridge. Four out of eight tasters had this as their favourite. One bottle left in the cellar.