2017 D'Arenberg 'The Coppermine Road' Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale
As far as vintages of The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon go, you would need to travel some way back in time to find a wine of such balance and harmony. The cooler, slightly wetter vintage has marked this wine in a very positive way. Allow a few minutes in glass for the full array of aromas to evolve. Over the course of this period your sense of smell will be led from savoury, cedar, cigarbox, sage, oregano and ferrous notes eventually through to lifted violets, blackcurrant, boysenberry, mulberry, mint and citrus peel. The palate will similarly start out reasonably tight but will open generously, presenting opulent fruit on the attack, matched with a medium bodied mid palate and complemented and drawn out through ripples of fine, chalky tannins.
Now in its 4th generation and 114th harvest, this stalwart of Australia’s McLaren Vale is making the best wines in its history. Francis “d’Arry” Osborn and his son Chester run this fun-loving winery with spirit, and produce 60 wines, from crisp Sauvignon Blanc to inky Shiraz on down to fortified, port-style wines.
James Suckling
An attractively floral cabernet with violet and dried-rose notes, as well as dried leaves, forest wood, mint and wet earth. The fruit sits in the blackcurrant, blueberry and purple-cherry zone. A succulent palate with ripe but fine, long tannins, carrying plenty of purple and blue-fruit flavors. Classically Australian in character and delivered with an impressive eye to elegance.
Wine Spectator
A mouthful of dense, rugged tannins sets the pace for this concentrated red, with notes of minerality, dried mushroom and forest floor, along with cassis, dried cherry and star anise details. Impressive for the focus and monolithic presence.