TASTING RESULTS

THIS YEAR’S BORDEAUX tasting saw a spectacular selection of international wines entered together with the home-grown options that allowed for an even greater forum to explore and understand all that is great about Bordeaux-style blends and the varieties that, as well as being part of a blend, stand up in their own right.

Head judge Ben Glover described the wines presented as “masterful”, reflecting on winemakers' ability to balance “the power and succulence of the tannins, fruit and oak” into one complete, and eminently drinkable, wine. While the top five features some wines from overseas, the majority are hometown superstars, showing, once again, our ability to create great wine not just by local but international standards. Not too shabby a claim for new-world wine newbies when you consider the style seeks to emulate the great wines of Bordeaux, France, where the first vines were planted approximately two thousand years ago.

★★★★★ outstanding excellent very good

each additional sip reveals its wonderful layered complexity. Incredible depth of both aromas and flavours make this drop sing in the glass. Extremely intriguing with ripe, herbal, youthful fruit density, vibrant cherry, ripe dark berry, cassis and mocha characters – and oh, that length on the finish. Remarkable. One to enjoy with gusto now with red meat and sharp flavoured cheeses. Or, hide it away in your cellar for the next eight to ten years if delayed gratification is your thing.