2002 Maxwell Lime Cave Cabernet Sauvignon - Museum Release

Retasted 01/12/2010: The colour of this wine is holding up well displaying an opaque black dark red colour with deep dark red verging on brick red hue. The nose displays a perfumed profile of cedar, blackcurrant and spice followed by a new leather and cigar box end note. Full bodied and still possessing plenty of richness the palate displays flavours of ripe blackcurrant, cedar and spice with some cigar box and leather on the back palate. Dry finish with very fine grained perfectly integrated tannins and long aftertaste of blackcurrant, cedar, spice and cigar box. A top example of aged McLaren Vale Cabernet that will continue to drink at it’s peak over the next 2-3 years.
Alc 14.5%
Date Tasted: 1/12/2010
96 points


First Tasted 10/05/2004: This is a full bodied, rich, ripe Cabernet. Opaque black crimson colours with deep crimson hue. Aroma of violet, mocha, blackcurrant, spice and musk. The palate is full bodied and displays both impressive weight and mouth feel. Musk, blackcurrant and spice palate flavours are overlaid by back palate flavours of mocha and white pepper. Perfect tannin balance. Long aftertaste of spice, musk and mocha.
Cellar 4-5 years (2008-2009)
Alc/Vol: 14.5%
96 points

Robert Parker's Review
This winery does a superb job with Cabernet Sauvignon, which is aged in both new and old French oak. The dark ruby/purple-colored 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Lime Cave exhibits a sweet perfume of creme de cassis, spice box, vanilla, and menthol, well-integrated acidity and tannin, and a pure, well-delineated, nicely textured finish. It is nearly impossible to find California Cabernet Sauvignon of this quality at such a price. This is an impressive as well as realistically priced offering
(Notes sourced from Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #155)
ROBERT PARKER'S RATING: 91 points