"Juicy, supple and warming" - 2015 Whalebone Merlot Cabernet Franc
A ripe, rounded, fleshy red with accents of sweet-vanilla and coconut. Juicy, supple and warming. Decant well before serving to
harmonise the elements.89 points
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A ripe, rounded, fleshy red with accents of sweet-vanilla and coconut. Juicy, supple and warming. Decant well before serving to
harmonise the elements.89 points
Deep, rich red with a tinge of brick-red in the colour, the bouquet strong on eucalyptus with menthol and linament notes. It's full-
bodied and rich, fleshy and almost opulent in the mouth, the palate delivering intense Campari-like bitter- herb flavours. It's big, round
and fruit-sweet, with plenty of supple tannin. (69% merlot, 31% cabernet franc)90 points
Perenially exemplary Australian take on a classic right-bank (Bordeaux) blend.
Quite sullen, sitting there under a heavy oak shroud. There are lighter elements of spice and toast in that oak frame, slowly lifting to reveal glimpses of blackberry, tobacco, more seasoning.
Darker manifestation altogether, meaty and with a bitter chocolate element. It sits fine on the palate, still delicate - even for it sub 15% stature - subtle hints of vanilla, from the 50% new French oak.
Fine tannins linger, but it certainly is a wine of terroir from a warmer and drier vintage. It needs some time for the wine to settle further into itself, the gentle length an indication of that which will reward the patient.
92 points
The description of the 2019 harvest is worthy of a politician or two.
The most startling aspect of the 2019 vintage in the Piccadilly Valley and to a lesser extent Wrattonbully, is the very low yield. Foggy Hill on the Fleurieu Peninsula yielded to expectation.
The low yield in the Piccadilly Valley was mainly because of the cold, windy and wet weather at the time of flowering (end of November), interfering with fruit set.
This is the oldest of the three Tiers vineyard blocks, with 2ha planted in '70 of what Croser calls the OF clones, which has a history to make Conan Doyle happy. It's a Californian clone that was eradicated there because of leaf roll virus - the cuttings were not infected when Croser brought them to Australia. The vinification was the same as for the 1.5m, but this is decidedly more complex than its sibling, confidently filling the mouth with balanced fruit flavours.
97 points
A delicious, well-made wine with ripe, vibrant fruit. What sets this wine apart from others is the extreme depth of flavour. I enjoy the energy of the mulberry and plummy fruit, as well as the gentle chocolatey richness. Only 320 dozen produced
94 points
A complete wine with exceptional detail and power. It has a core of lemony fruit plus hints of beeswax, meringue and nougat. Excellent drive and acidity
95 Points
A classy wine with a delicate fragrance of white flowers, fresh pears, oatmeal and lemon. The palate is beautifully sweet-fruited with excellent energy and drive, plus delicious lingering grapefruit flavours. It’s a high-quality wine that is extremely well-made that delivers a superb drinking experience
96 Points
Well priced, well made, well grown and well flavoured. If I was out and about and I saw this, I wouldn’t hesitate. It’s driven by apple-like flavours but stonefruit, cedarwood and honeysuckle characters come into play too. It has a refreshing wash of acidity and it gives the impression that it will be better again given extra time in bottle. But right now it has balance, flavour and indeed elegance nicely sewn up.
93 points
Wafting oatmeal aromas introduce a textural palate brimming with juicy lemon flavours. There is a beautiful vein of integrated acidity supporting the fruit. Intense and savoury
92 points