A highly polished example of Barossa Cabernet, dominated by red fruit on the bouquet, and a healthy dose of new oak; the essence of the wine lies in the tightness of the palate; the ample fine-grained tannins and tangy acid pull the fruit to a long, fine and even conclusion.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead Elderton Estate comes from a single block on the estate planted before WWII. Cameron informed me that it’s difficult to get more than ½ ton per acre out of these vines. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Ashmead Elderton Estate was matured in 100% new French oak hogsheads for 18 months. Medium garnet-purple in color, it has an intensely scented nose of cassis, earth, cloves and pencil shavings plus nuances of game and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and opulent in the mouth, the complex flavors are exquisitely balanced by firm fine grained tannins and a good line of acid. It finishes very long. The wine is still a bit tight and primary with the oak jutting out a touch so it’s recommended to keep this one 2-3 years and drink it 2013 to 2020+. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown