1996 McAlister Vineyard The McAlister Dry Red

1996 was a nightmare vintage in Southern Victoria. It rained during summer and the fruit was ordinary. It was the ultimate reminder to the ego manic winemakers that they are only custodians of what God has given them to work with. In 1996 He was very angry it seems. This is a wine that should never have been bottled.Made from a blend of 60% Cabernet, 12% Cabernet Franc, 17% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot, matured in Nevers and Alliers oak. Light brick red, tawny brown colour - looking very much like a 20 year old wine at, or past its peak. Leather, unripe vegetal, leafy aroma - again very tired. Light, vegetal leather palate with some stewed fruits in the background. Soft tannins with leather and stewed fruit aftertaste. Very ordinary.