Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2008 Serpico was made in the Amarone method from grapes picked at around 12.5% and semi-dried slowly, finishing at around 15% alcohol. In 2008 it managed to side-skirt the heat as it was picked early. It was matured for 9 months in 100% new barriques, 90% French. Very deep garnet-purple colored, it gives pronounced notes of creme de cassis, Christmas cake, plum pudding, anise, cassia and nutmeg. The rich, full-bodied flavors are very spicy on the palate, off-set by crisp acid and medium-firm fine tannins, finishing with persistent, somewhat savory flavors of mincemeat and marmite toast. Drink this one 2013 to 2022+.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Known for opulent red wines with intense power and concentration, McLaren Vale is home to perhaps the most “classic” style of Australian Shiraz. Vinified on its own or in Rhône Blends, these hot-climate wines are deeply colored and high in extract with signature hints of dark chocolate and licorice. Cabernet Sauvignon is also produced in a similar style.
Whites, often made from Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc tend to be opulent and full of tropical, stone and citrus fruit.