I'm going to have to tell the truth about this - and let you make up your own mind. I had this wine as part of this tasting, and thought it was outstanding, but then when I took the bottle to lunch, I wasn't quite as impressed. It is a very young cabernet after all, so maybe that's to be expected. On the first showing: lots of bramble, graphite, blackcurrant and herbs, lots of freshness and life, a dusting of milk chocolate and a fine flush of filligreed tannin. Reserve, character, and structure. A lift of gumleaf. A classical Coonawarra cabernet. Drink: 2010-2016. Campbell Mattinson - 93 points. Wine Front Monthly
My good chums at Liquid Ideas looked after me and touched up Jacob’s Creek (ooh er sounds a bit rude) for a pre-release of this wine. The bottle came as a cleanskin and I must confess it is one of the best tasting cleanskins I have had in quite some time. I do like my St Hugo, and much like Wynn’s Black Label, it’s a bit of a cellar staple for me. I am still quite old school in many ways. I often like to stick to the classics. If you are familiar with your St Hugo then I might venture that this looks like a bit like a mix of the 1999 and 1996 vintages.
Aromas of blackcurrant, crushed red berries, spearmint, gum leaf and fine cedar oak. There is a touch of Dutch licorice and earth too but the overall impression is one of vibrancy and freshness. On the palate medium bodied with fresh red berry, blackcurrant, leaf and spicy cedar oak. Tannins are fine and dry and sit comfortably on the cushion of sweet red Coonawarra fruit. Finishes long and fresh. This is a wine that shows elegance and restraint. It may be a little too minty for some but it certainly works for me. 91 points; Gary Walsh; Winorama
The classic 2004 vintage has delivered an exemplary cabernet suited to long-term cellaring. Of medium to full weight, with deep and penetrative flavours, it already shows layers of texture and character. It’s intense, pristine and slightly confiture-like aromas of cassis and mulberry, violet and dark plum are backed by restrained cedar/vanilla oak and dusty, herbal undertones. Long and smooth, it’s finely shaped and balanced, delivering succulent dark fruit, fried herbs and fresh oak tightly knit with a firm, fine and powdery extract. Gourmet Traveller Wine
