2016 Evans & Tate Cabernet Sauvignon Breathing Space

Community Tasting Notes (1) Avg Score: 85 points

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  10/30/2020 - forceberry wrote: 85 Points

  Aged for 16 months in hogsheads (300 l) and French oak barriques (225 l). 14,5% alcohol, 6,3 g/l acidity.
  
  Youthful, slightly translucent blackish-red color. Ripe, juicy and very fruit-forward nose with open and perhaps slightly generic nose of ripe blackcurrants, some succulent dark plums, light cocoa notes of oak, a little bit of sweet raspberry, a hint of bilberry and a touch of licorice. The wine is ripe, full-bodied and balanced on the palate with vibrant flavors of juicy plums and ripe blackcurrants, some sweet black raspberries, light toasty notes of oak spice, a little bit of fresh blueberry and red-toned forest fruits, a hint of licorice and a bittersweet touch of dark chocolate. Although the wine is obviously ripe and sweetly-fruited, the overall feel is somewhat more dry and firm than with the previous vintages I've tasted (2014, 2012). At least the acidity and gently grippy medium tannins feel both somewhat higher than before. The medium-long finish is quite dry, gently grippy and slightly warm with juicy flavors of ripe blackcurrants, some sweet plummy tones, a little bit of blueberry, light toasty oak notes of mocha coffee and woody spice, a hint of licorice and a touch of slightly peppery spice.
  
  A somewhat generic and predictable yet also very balanced and enjoyable Aussie Cab. Although the wine is still lacking the freshness and seriousness I associate with Margaret River Cabs, and the taste is slightly too oak-driven for my taste, this feels nevertheless a good deal better than the previous vintages I've had. They've come across a bit sweeter in fruit and a bit lower in acidity, while this manages to retain good sense of balance in both. Nothing too thrilling, but nothing worth of complaining either. I still wouldn't pay 14€ for this, but at 6,98€ this was a steal. A nice and versatile weekday red.

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