Coates Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec 2010

Description

Duane Coates is one of the quiet achievers of the Australian Wine Scene ( Masters in Oenology and an MBA from Adelaide University & soon to become a Master of Wine). His winemaking philosophy is simple: the highest quality fruit from sustainable vineyards (some organic), harvest when properly ripe and a natural winemaking approach (minimal intervention – wild yeasts, unfined, no additions of tannin, enzyme and acid).   Huon Hooke said: “Every wine I’ve tasted of McLaren Vale’s Duane Coates has been excellent…”  Highly impressive wines – a style that bridges the gap between fruit driven Australian style and savoury complex wines of old world Europe.  Lisa Perrotti-Brown, from leading international website erobertparker.com said – “..a breath of fresh air in this area where a lot of producers seem to be following the herd down that incredibly ripe and sometimes over-ripe path that has caused not a few producers to come unstuck in heat-wave and drought conditions. These are superbly-crafted, well-priced wines that are wholeheartedly recommended’.

Dream growing season in 2010 delivered the goods!  78% Langhorne Creek Cabernet (Iconic Cabernet grower also supplies for Penfolds 707, Drew Noon), 11% Adelaide Hills Merlot, 11% Robe Malbec.  24 months in 20% new French oak (Seguin Moreau, Dargaux & Jaegle).  Reminds me of a seriously fine left bank Bordeaux ..Medoc or St Julien . This wine is singing now after some bottle age to reveal mouthwatering depth of cassis fruit, ripe fined grained tannins and superb structure and balance. Pedigree cabernet does not get any better .. Do not miss out on this extraordinary bargain!

90 Points, James Halliday Australian Wine Companion.  “A complex blend … unfined and unfiltered.  Expected colour development for a 4-year-old wine, but still bright and healthy; a mix of blackcurrant, redcurrant, plum and herb fruit flavours are framed by oak that comes through strongly on the finish and aftertaste.”  July 2014.

RRP: $38