TN: Grant Burge Shadrach Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

[Waiters Friend]

Purple black in colour with crimson rim. Lots of cigar box on the nose over blackcurrant, cassis, and an initial whiff of mint and cola. The palate is velvety, with polished, dark fruits sitting softly over the top of supple tannins and moderate acid. The wine is full bodied, but surprisingly carries its weight lightly. Long finish, and nicely balanced - despite being a Barossa wine, it is not stereotypically big or heavy.

Looking good now. I don't have enough experience of Barossa cabernet to predict further development.

Cheers
Allan

[Waiters Friend]

Time to open another bottle. Decanted 5 hours before service and put back into the cellar. Served at 17 degrees as a result. The colour has lightened moderately but still no signs of bricking.

A slight warming of the wine (22 degrees here in Perth) allows the initially shy blackcurrant or blackberry fruit to emerge. It's definitely into the stewed or developed stage. There's still some eucalypt or mint, alongside cola, leather polish and cigar box.

The palate is a little more together, with the dark berry fruits and meshing well with the mocha and vanillan oak. Tannins are pretty well integrated, and the acid is merely offering support. Long finish and a velvety mouthfeel.

I still have two more bottles of this (and also the 2013). I'd suggest drinking soon.

Cheers
Allan