Thursday, June 02, 2005

2 Reds: Australia Cab Sauv/Merlot

WOLF BLASS CABERNET MERLOT 1999 (2003), South Australia, 13.0% (13.5%), #611483 $16.95 ($15.95)

A General listing. My notes: The 1999 vintage was recommended by Beppi April 2002 and was cellared July 17, 2002 - the label states "will develop over three to six years." The colour is a dark crimson and nose is now a fragrant toasted cherry vanilla. Full flavoured medium-bodied still with a light tannin and well balanced acid - fruit is a light red cherry. As a sipper the 1999 is OK, dry with soft fruit and a smoothe long finish but better paired with roast beef, grilled ribs, steaks, portabello mushrooms and rich stews. The LCBO describes the current vintage (2003) as: "Deep ruby; mint, cassis and chocolate aromas; big toasty fruit flavours, well balanced. Serve with roast prime rib of beef." and the website says (of 2001 - couldn't find 2003) "nose of lifted berry and plum characters supported by spicy oak. Flavours (much the same)." The 2003 has the same colour but a much lighter cherry aroma, no discernible oak. I could not distinguish any distinct flavours, plum/cherry maybe in a stretch. An uninteresting sipper - if a 2003 is in the cellar use in the stew above or perhaps a summer sangria.

No comments: