Allinda 'Cabernets' Cab Sauv Merlot Cab Franc 2001

This wine is made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 11% Cabernet Franc. I think the may be one of the first ones I have had from he Yarra Valley.

The colour is deep-brick purple in the middle, and lighter so on the edges.

This wine displays incredible finesse and elegance. The perfumed nose smells of deep, dark fruits; blackberries, and cherries, and is extremely approachable as the perfume is light. On the second, it starts to reveal some chocolate. The nose is just remarkable, and the cherries are as lovely as they are refreshing (being quite a rare characteristic. Given the composure of the bouquet, it may be fair to say that this wine is peak drinking now.

On the palate, the primary characteristics are dark fruits, cherry being most notable, then there is chocolate, followed by cigar-box. The style is light-bodied, though still very intense (more like what you would expect from a vintage Shiraz). The finish is long and smooth; opening up signs of forest floor and further cigar-box. It is unbelievably well-balanced. This wine would definitely be up there with the super-premium Australian wines, however, though the palate and nose was on par with the big guns; it did lack that edge, the tightly-knit structure. Nonetheless, it is a small compromise to make in order to save you a lot of money!!

RR Price: Unknown: $20-30?
Source: Family cellar
Rating: 96 pts