On face value, you might think that the marriage of Tasmania and late-ripening grape Cabernet Sauvignon is a disaster waiting to happen, especially when the fruit is sourced from a vineyard not all that far from Hobart. What pleasure is there to be had from green, herbaceous under-ripe Cabernet Sauvignon?
In the case of Stoney Vineyard, the second label of Domaine A, a carefully chosen site in the Coal River Valley allows for a long slow ripening period, during which time the fruit reaches full phenolic ripeness. Yes, it is a cool site, at least compared to the Australian norm, but the site’s aspect and careful vineyard management ensure that Cabernet Sauvignon reaches a near perfect level of ripeness and balance.
The 2005 Stoney Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a slick ‘ripe vintage’ Bordeaux look-a-like that puts a smile on the face of those with a leaning towards the Médoc. Like its more expensive sibling bottled under the Domaine A label, there is no leafiness or green edges to be found here. It’s not overly complex at this point in time, but there’s a lovely line of sweet cassis married with smoky oak. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon from many other parts of Australia, there is clear varietal definition; this is unquestionably Cabernet, not merely a dry red that could be just about anything. Although drinking well now, especially with food, there is sufficient structure to suggest that the wine should improve in bottle over the next 3-4 years.
2005 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Producer: Domaine A – Stoney Vineyard
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2005
Region: Coal River Valley, Tasmania
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Diam
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $29.99
Date tasted: 21 May 2012
Tasting Note:
Mid-crimson. Bright nose of cassis, blackberry and smoky oak. Medium bodied, sweet cassis leads the palate, which is initially rather tight and unyielding, opening up over the course of an hour so. With time is reveals mulberry, charcoal and dark cherries. Acidity is fine and well integrated. Slightly drying tannins carry the finish. Improved when consumed with food, in this instance, Lancashire Hotpot.
Score: 16.5+/20
In the case of Stoney Vineyard, the second label of Domaine A, a carefully chosen site in the Coal River Valley allows for a long slow ripening period, during which time the fruit reaches full phenolic ripeness. Yes, it is a cool site, at least compared to the Australian norm, but the site’s aspect and careful vineyard management ensure that Cabernet Sauvignon reaches a near perfect level of ripeness and balance.
The 2005 Stoney Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is a slick ‘ripe vintage’ Bordeaux look-a-like that puts a smile on the face of those with a leaning towards the Médoc. Like its more expensive sibling bottled under the Domaine A label, there is no leafiness or green edges to be found here. It’s not overly complex at this point in time, but there’s a lovely line of sweet cassis married with smoky oak. Unlike Cabernet Sauvignon from many other parts of Australia, there is clear varietal definition; this is unquestionably Cabernet, not merely a dry red that could be just about anything. Although drinking well now, especially with food, there is sufficient structure to suggest that the wine should improve in bottle over the next 3-4 years.
Producer: Domaine A – Stoney Vineyard
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon et al
Vintage: 2005
Region: Coal River Valley, Tasmania
ABV: 13.5%
Closure: Diam
Format: 750ml
Retail price: $29.99
Date tasted: 21 May 2012
Tasting Note:
Mid-crimson. Bright nose of cassis, blackberry and smoky oak. Medium bodied, sweet cassis leads the palate, which is initially rather tight and unyielding, opening up over the course of an hour so. With time is reveals mulberry, charcoal and dark cherries. Acidity is fine and well integrated. Slightly drying tannins carry the finish. Improved when consumed with food, in this instance, Lancashire Hotpot.
Score: 16.5+/20
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