3/14/2018 - robfrith Likes this wine:

As with all Bass Phillip PN, decanting has a profound and positive effect on the aroma and flavour profile of the wine. I suggest at least 2 hours for this relatively young wine. It was released under this label, I understand because it didn’t make the cut for Crown Prince. Nevertheless, it is still very obviously a Bass Phillip PN with all those strange BP traits.

10/31/2008 - robfrith wrote:

Perfect example of this wine. Exhibited strong malolactic notes on opening with hints of honeysuckle. The acidity was in balance and didn't build up through the course of the bottle. We had a camembert fondue with the wine but the cheese tended to overpower the wine in spite of the malo. Jeremy Oliver gives the wine a rating of 97 and beleivces that it will drink well until 2011. I disagree with his rating, 97 is a high score and the wine would need to be more complex to be rated this highly.

9/7/2008 - robfrith wrote:

Another beauty, cigar box, soft tannins but good structure. A classic. needs at least 2 hours of decanting before revealing its true character.

9/7/2008 - robfrith wrote:

Corked

9/1/2008 - robfrith wrote:

Cork came out in good condition still showing signs of good elasticity. Wine had only travelled up less than a quarter of the length. Colour is brick red with very little sediment in the bottle or in the wine. Initially decanted at 5pm for a 7pm dinner, the nose is restrained but showing some sweet fruit. Considering the age of the wine, there was little evidence of musty or aged characters. The oak had fully integrated with only the cigar box characters remaining.

In the mouth, the lower alcohol level and the soft tannins produced a delicate wine that wont dominate the food.

Consumed at 8pm, delicate but full flavoured. This is GOOD Cabernet, almost French in style, soft but well structured and great length that lingered for at least 2 minutes. The decanting made an enormous difference, if wine is closed upon uncorking allow at least 2 hours unless it is more than 20 years old. Then be gentle, the air becomes the enemy not the friend.