2019 Nicks Secret SERP Cabernet Sauvignon

From a very well-known family owned estate with an Italian-Australian heritage, this McLaren Vale winery burst onto the scene in the early 2000’s when the then, world's most powerful wine critic, Robert Parker, lauded many of the wines with scores in the high nineties.
This, their flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, is made in the traditional Amarone style whereby the grapes are dried to concentrate the aromas and flavours, as well as soften the tannins.

A powerhouse Cabernet made in the traditional Amarone style.

Totally opaque black dark red colour with a very dark brick red hue. Wafting out of the glass is a complex array of morello cherry, black cherry, liquorice, cassis and black plum scents which are trailed by some vanillin cedar, cinnamon and spicy tobacco notes. Rich, concentrated and voluptuous in its feel across the thick, weighty palate are all engulfing morello cherry, blackcurrant, black cherry, liquorice and black plum fruits. Vanillin cedar, earth, sweet tobacco and spicy cinnamon elements lie beneath. Initially silky tannins firm up on the back half, providing admirable structure. Boasting outstanding power and depth, the long, plush yet sturdy conclusion is delivered with plenty of sophistication.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 15.5%

Other Reviews……
You’d think they were crazy making an Amarone style from cabernet sauvignon. Amarone is one of Italy’s greatest wines made from dried grapes which concentrate the flavours and tannins to create long lived wines. But with cabernet sauvignon – a wine that is already loaded with tannins – this is surely a disaster in the making, but apparently not….
This is a gorgeous wine, and my pick of the current new releases, which packs a serious punch. The colour is deep suggesting a big dense style but the wine is surprisingly light on its feet. Sweet, pure and vibrant blackcurrant fruits are tempered by dried herbs with some sweeter blackberry underneath. Oak is there too but sits in the background. This then leads to a bold and explosive palate full of power and energy – fruit pastille flavours are supported by fine acidity that is all underpinned by significant but well handled tannins. It is soooooo long too with the fruit concentration holding that flavour for minutes. A delicious wine stacked full of personality that is hard to put down. Drink 2023-2032.
96 Points
Angus Hughson – WinePilot.com

The 2019 ******* Cabernet Sauvignon is made from partially dried grapes. After being air-dried for approximately nine weeks and losing approximately 30% of their weight, the grapes are pressed. The resulting wine is a potent, cassis and herb-laced offering with hints of dark chocolate and caramel yet never heavy or overdone. Full-bodied, rich and possessing a layered texture and a lingering finish, it's a terrific example of *******, with at least a decade of cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2030.
94 Points
Joe Czerwinski – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate

The wine shows stunning fruit purity as well as seductive complexity with cassis, sweet plum, tobacco and spicy oak characters. It’s impressively concentrated and persistent, displaying awesome power brilliantly structured by loads of fine tannins. Multi-layered and graceful. At its best: 2024 to 2039.
96 Points
Sam Kim – Wine Orbit