1994 Petaluma Coonawarra Red Museum Release

In the late 1970's Brian Croser burst onto the market with wines of exceptional quality, and amongst the countries most expensive. Croser has managed to consolidate his position and enhance his status as a winemaker of major significance on the Australian wine scene. His vineyards are now sufficiently old enough to classify their quality of fruit - a process which Croser has now begun and, as before, way in front of the rest of the market with declarations that Croser's Petaluma Limited is the owner of some of Australia's most distinguished wine sites. The 1994 Coonawarra is a blend of 40% Merlot and 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and has been aged for two years in new Allier and Nevers oak. This wine leaves no doubt about Croser's passion to produce great wine. Tasting Notes: Opaque crimson colour with deep mauve edges. The nose is superb, filled with spicy blackcurrants, mulberries, violets and cedar. Comparisons with classed growths are entirely appropriate! At the end of the nose, the Merlot reasserts itself with a touch of earthiness which adds complexity, and echoes itself on the palate and aftertaste. The palate is concentrated, but not full blown - the wine is ripe 13.5% Alcohol. Vol., but it's not evident - mulberries, earthy truffle, spice and confectionary flavours all marry superbly with the new oak and perfect tannin structure. A wine of profound persistence of flavour. Cellar 5-15 years.