The Cardinia Ranges, an easy point of reference, are wedged between the Mornington Peninsula region and Yarra Valley. Just head southeast from Melbourne.
This sees a high percentage of new French oak (40%) but it is yet to hit the shelves with the 2006 and 2009 still available.
Cedar and caramel oak are prominent on opening with Christmas cake fruit, prunes and baked plums filling the mouth. Firm to taste, it stands with a clenched fist. Even after a couple of days of tasting it was reluctant to release its grip which is curious for a wine at 12 years of age. The acid is firm and forms a tight coil around the palate. Twigs, damp earth and cured meats add some detail with a long tail highlighted by baking spices.
Decant well before drinking to see it at its best but this will rest comfortably in the cellar for some time.
Drink to eight years+
88/100
Region: Cardinia Ranges, Vic
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