1993 Moorooduc Estate Cabernets

Shiraz and Cabernet from the Mornington Peninsula are very much site dependent and the wrong site will produce leafy, green wines - it's all to do with a chemical compound called METHOXYPYRAZINE. It is highly desirable in Sauvignon Blanc and its presence in New Zealand vineyards has enhanced its reputation as the Loire of the Southern Hemisphere but its presence in red wines is unacceptable. The 1992 Moorooduc Estate Cabernet had that green character - the 1993 is another story and perhaps justifies the persistence with the varietal in an area generally better suited to Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Deep brick red colour showing a little bottle development character. The nose is very attractive and Bordeaux like with aromas of ripe plums, mulberry, cedar and a hint of violets in the background. The palate displays excellent depth of flavour with mulberry, cedar, blackcurrant spice with a liquorice overtone. Beautifully ripe fruit and a very marked Bordeaux influence. Excellent balance, fine tannin structure and long spice, blackcurrant and cedar aftertaste. Cellar 3-5 years.