2020 St Ignatius Cabernet Blend

Ah, the great grapes of claret have that telltale, deliciously alluring scent, even if they don't come from Bordeaux. Clare Valley is possibly the closest thing we have to Bordeaux, so viola, Je Suis Allured.

A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. This opens with a combination of mulberry and blue scented fruit against a background of typical satsuma plum. It’s an engaging opening. The palate is medium to full bodied and packs plenty of grunt though it’s presented with elegance and poise. The fine chalky tannins and fine-grained oak each play their parts.

A densely saturated purplish colour anticipates power in this hearty red, yet the nose has some subtlety too. It presents a melange of berry, plum, cedar with only a whisper of regional mint. High-toned oak dresses it, and the palate is full and firmly structured with deep, ripe flavours supported by succulent acid balance and grainy tannins.

Dark chocolate, mint and dried flowers, black fruit, dark spices, cedar and tobacco. It's thick and dark, a fair bit of mint chocolate and black olive, ferrous and sooty, fleshy tannin grip. Acidity feels a little nippy at this stage, though there's plenty of stuffing here, and a finish of richness and good length.. It's a potent wine and feels like it needs some time in the cellar.