2016 Freycinet Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot, East Coast Tasmania

70% cabernet sauvignon, 22% merlot, 8% cabernet franc, matured for 30 months in French (31% new). None of the problems of the Shiraz here. It is medium to full-bodied, with power to burn. Blackcurrant, black olive, bay leaf and firm but not abrasive tannins all add up coherently.

94 points James Halliday winecompanion.com.au

When the first words out of my mouth were, “this reminds me of the Reserve de la Comtesse that we had last week” I realised that I had something pretty special on my hands. A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Franc from 34-year-old vines on their East Coast property, this has also spent 2 years in oak and several in bottle before being released out into the wild.

A very well structured wine with enthusiastic ripe and supple tannins, mouth-watering acidity, it is ripe but in no way jammy. Succulent plums, ripe strawberries, damsons, red cherries and pencil shavings all combine to produce a wine that still has so long to go despite its five years of ageing. Like a quiet storm, the judicious use of oak, long and lingering flavours, mouthwatering acidity and taut tannins take a complex journey before they gently and elegantly dissipate in the mouth. Magnificent.

95 points Curly Haslam-Coates winefront.com.au Aug-21 Drink: 2021-2035