2018 Blue Poles Allouran

A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Totally opaque black as night at its heart with a deep dark red black tinged hue. Emerging from the glass are lifted scents of red to black currant and ripe mulberries which are intertwined with tobacco leaf, lightly dusted cedar, dried herbs and spice. Medium bodied, ripe red to black currant and mulberry fruits show good richness across the front half with the back palate picking up accents of tobacco leaf, dried herbs, dusty cedar and spice. Good balance with fine grained tannins and a generous yet refined aftertaste.
Drink over the next 5-6 years.
Alc. 13.8%

Other Reviews….
A special site here, I feel, and if I were to draw a long bow, I’d say this was the Margaret River equivalent of Marius of McLaren Vale. One more vintage to come from Marius, though hopefully many more to hoist from Blue Poles. As an aside, I prefer this to the 2018 Moss Wood Cabernet, even though they are quite different wines. But still…
Plum, dark cherry, a slightly grassy redcurrant jelly and minty perfumed top note, white flowers, baking spice and ginger nut biscuits. There’s succulence of raspberry and plum, a fresh ‘mineral’ feel to acidity, stony/graphite tannin, a bustle in the hedgerow, but ample ripeness of fruit too. Cool and well etched, with a tight finish that’s all bluestone gravel and perfumed and spiced red fruits. Deft and sure-footed. No excess. So excellent. Drink 2023-2036+
94+ points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front