A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc from mature vines nestled in the foothills of the Victorian Alps just north of Beechworth, this outstanding wine rekindles similarities to top-flight French Chateaux, hinting at the probing depth and structure of a Leoville-Las-Cases, the silky elegance of Pichon-Lalande with some of the fragrance and sheer class of a top Margaux. Intriguing scents of violets, sandalwood, bitter chocolate, green olives, cedar, Asian spices, forest floor and a strong undertone of cassis intermingle with well-integrated savoury/vanillan oak. In the mouth this wine displays medium body, excellent delineation, glossy blackcurrant- and herb-tinged fruit, a nice dollop of savoury oak, admirable purity and tremendous length with surprisingly crisp acidity and the finest of ripe tannins rounding off a terrific expressive conclusion. Needs another year to fully resolve and should drink exceedingly well for perhaps another five. 92 points. 13.0% A/V