Paracombe Cabernet Sauvignon 2002
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Parker
Robert
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Winemaker Notes
-Wine Advocate
Paracombe 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard wine with all fruit for this wine harvested exclusively from the Drogemuller's vineyard from Cabernet vines planted 1992.
The 2002 vintage was the lowest yielding ever known to Paul and Kathy Drogemuller since their first establishing their vineyard at Paracombe.
This Cabernet Sauvignon presents deep, dark color with a friendly expression of rich, full fruit flavour. The bouquet has a delicious mix of aromas including cherries, dark chocolate and hints of leather. The palate is generous and juicy. Lingering flavours of ripe currants and berries textured with hints of fine, spicy tannins with a leisurely, long, finish. Drinking well now, this wine promises to reward further still with age.
A smooth, silky wine sure to put a smile on your face!
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- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
While Australia is best known for big, supple and potent Shiraz, it is also a fine source of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cab in fact is Australia’s second most planted red varietal, and it is both bottled on its own and often used in blends. It’s grown in Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The latter is the home of Block 42 of the Penfolds Kalimna Vineyard, whose vines -- planted in 1886 -- are believed to be the oldest productive Cabernet vines in the world. Two of the most highly regarded sources of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon, though, are Coonawarra on South Australia’s Limestone Coast, and Margaret River in Western Australia, near Perth.
Coonawarra, famous for its rich red soil called terra rossa, has held Cabernet vines since the 1890’s. Though it can get quite warm during the growing season, it’s not far from the cool waters of the Southern Ocean, which tempers the climate and promotes balance in the grapes and resulting wines. These Cabs tend to be complex indeed, showing trademark dark fruit and firm tannins, along with notes of cigar box, cedar and – very often – mint and/or eucalyptus. Some producers to look for are Jim Barry, Yalumba, Berton Vineyards and Penley Estate.
Margaret River, on the other hand, stepped into wine production only in the 1960’s. It is situated on the lower western tip of the country, where the Southern and Indian Oceans meet. This coastal location creates an even more temperate, maritime-influenced climate that resembles that of Bordeaux. In good years these Australian Cabs show amazing balance between ripeness, tannins and acidity, along with lovely texture. Producers of note include Leeuwin Estate, Vasse Felix and Howard Park.