Out of stock
Balnaves Cabernet Merlot 2005
Impressively made, but fractionally cooked and stewed, this slightly dehydrated cabernet blends has a deep, briary and minty perfume of dark plums, cassis and blackberries backed by slightly smoky, grainy new oak and meaty undertones of currants and prunes. Deep and dark-fruited, but lacking great brightness down the palate, it’s robust and powerful, still prune and currant-like fruit is still closed and withdrawn.
Vintage
2005
Peak years to drink
2010 - 2013+
Jeremy's score
89 / 100
Seal type
Cork
Balnaves Cabernet Merlot
Coonawarra
Price Range at Release: $20-$29
Vintage: 2013
Alc %: 14.5
$ Rel: 30
Impressively made, but fractionally cooked and stewed, this slightly dehydrated cabernet blends has a deep, briary and minty perfume of dark plums, cassis and blackberries backed by slightly smoky, grainy new oak and meaty undertones of currants and prunes. Deep and dark-fruited, but lacking great brightness down the palate, it's robust and powerful, still prune and currant-like fruit is still closed and withdrawn.
Last Date Tasted: 4/10/2018
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Cellar
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Drink Now
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Maybe Too Old
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Vintage
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Score/100
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Score/20
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Year To Drink
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|---|---|---|---|---|
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2013
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92 | 17.9 | 2025-2033  |
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2012
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91 | 17.6 | 2020-2024+ |
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2011
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91 | 17.5 | 2019-2023+ |
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2010
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90 | 17.2 | 2022-2030 |
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2009
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90 | 17.2 | 2017-2021  |
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2008
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91 | 17.4 | 2016-2020+ |
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2007
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91 | 17.5 | 2019-2027 |
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2006
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87 | 16.0 | 2011-2014 |
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2005
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89 | 16.7 | 2010-2013+ |
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2004
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95 | 18.7 | 2016-2024 |
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2002
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87 | 16.3 | 2007-2010+ |
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2001
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90 | 17.2 | 2009-2013 |
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2000
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88 | 16.4 | 2002-2005+ |
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1998
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93 | 18.1 | 2006-2010 |
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Winery
Balnaves
Balnaves has emerged over the last decade as one of CoonawarraŐs finest growers and makers of red wine. Over the years this maker has evolved its own style of red that involves a long ripening prior to harvest which can result in some slightly shrivelled and meaty characters, while most reveal a typically firm and drying astringency. While the flagship The Tally Cabernet Sauvignon most reflects these aspirations and usually has the depth of fruit to handle this approach (the 2012 being a fine example), the Cabernet Sauvignon can appear more elegant and vibrant by comparison. As frequently occurs, the inexpensive The Blend has provided one of the better inexpensive tasting experiences of the year.
Chief Executive(s):
Doug Balnaves
Winemaker:
Jacinta Jenkins
Viticulturist:
Peter Balnaves
Production Dozen:
10,000
Address:
15517 Riddoch Highway , Coonawarra , South Australia 5263 Australia
Cellar Door Open Hours:
7 days, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm, Weekends & Public Holidays 12pm - 5pm
Principal Wine Region:
Coonawarra
Telephone:
(08) 8737 2946
Website:
Email:
Related products
-
Leeuwin Estate Prelude Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon (Formerly Cabernet Merlot) 2004
Jeremy’s score 88/100
