2017 Coates The Cabernet Sauvignon

The grapes for Coates The Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced from 30+ year old vines in Langhorne Creek located on true ‘floodplain’ soils. Cropping levels are always very low; in 2017 the yield was less than two tonnes an acre. Maturation took place in 50% new and 25% one and two year old French barriques over a period of 20 months.
Totally opaque black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Intense ripe blackcurrant and mulberry scents leap out of the glass pursued by vanillin cedar, tobacco, faint black olive and dried herb notes. Medium to full in body with a generous fleshy feel, rich blackcurrant and ripe mulberry fruits flood the mouth underscored by infusions of bay leaf, cedary tobacco characters and spice. Beautifully integrated velvet like tannins have good underlying structure. Finishes with superb depth and a long plush, savoury aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
This is stellar warm climate, maritime Cabernet. A category too often overlooked by the misguided zeal for shiraz. Bay leaf and bouquet garni reel off the first riff. Mint, cassis and a saline lick of tapenade taper the finish, directed long by impeccably appointed oak and a je ne sais quoi freshness. This is a lovely mellifluous wine, no matter how you want to slice it. Drink by 2032.
95 points
Ned Goodwin – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion