Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t flavour of the month in Australia at present, lagging well behind Pinot Noir and Shiraz in the public’s consciousness. However, done well, Cabernet can be truly delicious, particularly as a dinner table wine alongside grilled and roasted meats.
This particular example, from biodynamic producer Freehand, is the essence of Cabernet with its blackcurrant fruit entwined with charcoal, lead pencil and tobacco. Drunk on its own, it won’t appeal to all comers, but with a rack of lamb, it really comes into its own.
Interestingly, the wine is labelled as being both biodynamic and preservative free. A rather abstract label further suggest that this could be quite an ‘off-beat’ wine. While one could be tempted to think that this is an off-beat wine with its heart on its natural wine sleeve, it is actually rather conventional, but in a good way. It’s rather delicious, especially given the price.
2014 FREEHAND CABERNET SAUVIGNONProducer: Freehand
Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Great Southern, Western Australia
ABV: 14.0%
Closure: Screw cap
Retail Price: $25.00
Date tasted: 28 October 2016
Tasting Note:
Opaque deep crimson verging toward black. Very typical Cabernet Sauvignon nose of charcoal, tomato leaf, blackcurrant and tobacco. Dry, medium bodied, with sweet blackcurrant fruit to the fore, overlaid by charcoal and pencil shavings. Powdery tannins provide structure. Excellent value for money, with upside for medium term cellaring.
Score: 16.5/20
No comments:
Post a Comment