2017 Bleasdale Frank Potts Cabernet Blend

The Bleasdale winemaking team led by Paul Hotker are at the top of their game having just won the Jimmy Watson Trophy at this years Melbourne Show. This new release of Frank Potts continues the hot run of form having picked up two trophies at the 2018 Perth Royal Wine Show including one for the best red wine of show. No mean feat given all the local competition. The 2017 is made from a blend of 69% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Malbec, 9% Petit Verdot, 8% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc with maturation taking place in French oak puncheons and hogsheads (28% new) for a period of 12 months.

Amply fruited, savoury and long this is a fantastic Cabernet blend that delivers great bang for your buck.

Midnight black colour with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Elevated blackcurrant, dark plum, red liquorice and mulberry scents meld into cedary tobacco, earth and bay leaf notes. Medium to full bodied, the palate is amply fruited with blackcurrant, red liquorice and mulberry flavours which are carried by discreet vanillin cedar, dried herb, light tobacco and spicy bay leaf elements. Seamlessly integrated tannins show plenty of polish yet also have good structural qualities. Excellent length concluding long and savoury with a red to dark fruited, cedary tobacco character and light bay leaf aftertaste.
Cellar 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
A judicious meld of classic Bordeaux varieties: 69% cabernet, 12% malbec, 9% petit verdot, 8% merlot and a dash of cabernet franc, this is an intriguing, exemplary expression of just how well these grapes thrive as a greater sum than their individual parts when blended. Maritime salinity is as much of the weave as the verdant, lubricated tannins. The fruit is ably harnessed into a savoury package of thrumming length and refinement. Drink by 2029.
96 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion