1999 Majella Mallea Cabernet Shiraz

This is a class act, and the flagship of Majella. A superb wine in very short supply, and clearly produced from the very best fruit and casks from the vintage. However, one must ask the philosophical question; should the very best fruit and casks be separated to produce 2 very good wines and one cracker, or should the very best fruit and casks be blended together with the Shiraz and Cabernet and produce two outstanding reds. This is not to say that the 1999 Shiraz and Cabernet are not excellent wines, but how much better could they have been in a less culled blend? There is considerable divergence of opinion from wine makers on this philosophy with producers like Cullen preferring to produce one exceptional blend rather than split the blends. At the end of the day, the market place will decide which way to direct the wine maker.
This is the deepest of the Majella’s, outstanding near opaque colour with hues of deep crimson. Very refined nose with aroma of violets, blackcurrants, spice and cedar. A sophisticated sniff. The palate continues to reflect the outstanding quality of the wine with excellent length and depth. Velvet smooth tannins followed by very long aftertaste. A Classic Australian wine. Cellar 4-5 years. Stocks very limited.