An assertive, firm, structured and even majestic cabernet that slowly unfolds layers of fruit sweetness and complexity. ItÕs ageing very slowly indeed, but reveals a classical cabernet bouquet of violets, woodsmoke, dark berries and cigarboxes backed by deep earthy undertones, a hint of dried herbs and a touch of meatiness. Powerfully fruited but elegant, itÕs dark and fiery, with a deep core of intense ripe fruit and cedary oak that eases its way over a slightly raw and edgy spine of firm, drying extract. While it might lack a little in polish, it will certainly age tremendously over the next decade and more. Keep it.

A wine played in two parts. At once meaty, wild and leathery, but also with a tightly-knit underswell of succulent, brightly flavoured small berry fruits. There’s a herbal, capsicum-like note to its briary aromas of cassis and raspberries, with earthy regional influences and cedar/vanilla oak qualities playing second violin. It’s long and firm, packed with distinctive small fruits before an astringent and drying finish of pliant tannins. It has aged superbly and has many, many years ahead.

A finely crafted but herbaceous cabernet of sufficient asparagus and capsicum-like greenness not to be marked higher. Its cedary aromas of light blackcurrants, mulberries and plums reveal dusty, leafy undertones of dried herbs and white cheese mould. Like many Australian cabernets of the early 1980s, its pretty berry/plum fruit does offer richness and intensity, but remains overshadowed by greenish influences. Handsomely oaked and framed by tight, fine tannins.

Very well handled and assembled, but perhaps reflective of slightly under and over-ripened fruit. Earthy, floral scents lift slightly closed and brooding aromas of small black and red berries, with undertones of cedar/chocolate oak and leathery, meaty influences. Long and sumptuous, its rich, firm palate underpins some ripe and currant-like cabernet flavour with cedar, vanilla and cigarboxy oak and a furry spine of slightly raw and greenish extract.