1998 Hardys Tintara Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon

A new release for Hardys under the Tintara label. Made using traditional winemaking techniques of open fermentation and basket pressing. Deep brick red colour with crimson edges. Aroma of confectionary, cedar, blackcurrant, spice and truffle with just a faint hint of herbaceousness. The palate does not live up to the expectations of the nose being relatively short in length and dominated by very firm tannins which persist long into the aftertaste. Spice, plum and blackcurrant flavours emerge and it will be at least 3-4 years before the wine becomes balanced.

RETASTED: Deep brick red crimson colour. Excellent nose with aroma of confectionery, cedar, blackcurrant, spice and truffle with a vegetal end note. The palate flavours reflect the herbaceous vegetal endnote, which spoils the wine and lingers long into the aftertaste. Very firm gripping tannin structure, which throws the wine off balance and overshadows the spice plum and blackcurrant fruit flavours. Cellar 5-8 years and hope it softens up a bit.

RATING: 82/100

VALUE: XXX/5