Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Whip-Hand is made by Justin Lane and Hamish Maguire from the Red Heads Studio in McLaren Vale. Opaque purple-colored, the wine has a fabulous smoky, tar, scorched earth, black fruit, and licorice-scented perfume that roars from the glass. Full-bodied, opulent, and layered with flavor, this ripe, structured Cabernet has great length and the structure to evolve for 10-15 years. If it said Napa Valley on the label, you could multiply the price times six. That makes it an awesome value.
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.