1998 Redbank Gold Mine Percydale Cabernet Merlot

A new series of wines produced by Neil Robb from Avoca. Opaque, purple crimson colour, quite vibrant. The nose is restrained and lacks the intensity that is anticipated by the superb colour, but it is simply a matter of the wine being a little closed at this stage. On the nose aromas of mint and spice, followed by a touch of leather and confectionary. Generous palate with ripe flavours of plum, cherry, chocolate and spice, and a strong liquorice, vanilla and confectionary back palate that lasts well into the aftertaste. Fine dry tannins, followed by long cherry, spice, plum aftertaste. Cellar 3-4 years.

Retasted January 2001A well made, fruit filled red. Deep crimson colour with mauve edge. Aroma of chocolate, spice and blackcurrant. The palate has good weight and mouthfeel with flavours of cherry, mulberry, mint and plum. Fine grained tannins, followed by cherry and mint aftertaste. Cellar 2-3 years.

RATING: 87/100

VALUE: XXX/5