Curator Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
G 93
Time spent in French oak barrels, 15% of which were new, has helped mould a fine, warm climate Cabernet which is chock full of flavour. Under Diam. Dark maroon with a magenta edge. Attractive chocolate/cherry notes open proceedings, with aromas of violets, tobacco leaves, mocha, plums, mulberries, bergamot, leather, soy and cloves. A plethora of flavours come together to provide cracking drinking, and good value. Seamless in structure, there is fine balance here with good focus. A wine of medium length and satiny tannins, this will provide pleasure over the next decade, likely longer. Drink now–2035 Curator Grenache 2024 G 93 The vines which provided the fruit for this superb Barossa Grenache come from a Seppeltsfield vineyard, planted in the early 1900s. The wine spent a year maturing in old French oak hogsheads. There is a small percentage of whole bunches used in the ferment. This is a wine of energy. A pale garnet, the nose reveals notes of strawberries, earth, leather, cherries and exotic spices. A classic BV Grenache and very typical. There is a silky palate here, with good acidity, satiny tannins and a lingering finish. For enjoying over the next 5–6 years. Drink now–2031 Curator Hamlets Rosé Montepulciano Grenache 2024 G 93 A seriously good Rosé from Montepulciano with a dribble of barrel-fermented Grenache (a dribble being the technical term for around 10%). I have a good friend named Hamlet, one of the world’s great cigar rollers, and I was tempted to put some aside for his next visit, but the only thing he drinks which begins with ‘R’ is rum. All of which is completely irrelevant. Wild fermentation was in older French oak barrels. The colour is a burning orange. This is a slightly savoury style of Rosé with a touch of warm earth and truffles, along with aromas of raspberries, cherries, florals and even freshly sliced watermelon. This is a refined and elegant style of Rosé, lifted to the next level by the enhanced textural component. There is fine acidity, good focus and serious persistence. Enjoy this over the next 3–4 years. A really good dry Rosé. Even Hamlet himself might be persuaded. Drink now–2029 Eden Hall Block 4 Shiraz 2022 G 93 There is considerable underlying power here – that is the first impression this quite delicious Shiraz, from a stellar year, gives. The colour is an inky dark maroon. The nose offers aromas weaving through warm earth, black olives, chocolate, liquorice, plums, coffee grinds, blackberries and kirsch. The impression of coiled, brooding power, just waiting to be unleashed, never leaves the wine. There are fine tannins, good balance, focus and impressive length. This will certainly improve over the coming years and then undoubtedly deserve an even higher rating. It is surely a wine for the long haul, fifteen years or more. Drink now–2040
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The Vintage Journal
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