Often-Overlooked Australian Cabernet Sauvignon

94 points. Saturated ruby color. Flat-out gorgeous aromas of bitter cherry, cassis, graphite, cedar, Cuban tobacco, dark chocolate and dried flowers. On the palate, juicy dark and red fruit flavors play off musky, almost ... more

94 points. Saturated ruby color. Flat-out gorgeous aromas of bitter cherry, cassis, graphite, cedar, Cuban tobacco, dark chocolate and dried flowers. On the palate, juicy dark and red fruit flavors play off musky, almost decadent underbrush and tobacco, with precise but understated Asian spice notes adding even more complexity. This boasts remarkable balance and compelling intricacy of fruit, spice and earth qualities on the long, suave finish, picking up notes of violet and fresh rose on the back. For the money, this is a no-brainer in outstanding, ageworthy cabernet. (Old Bridge Cellars, Napa, CA)

($20) Ruby-red. Peppery redcurrant- and cherry-scented nose, complicated by notes of tobacco, gunflint and musky underbrush. Red fruit flavors are energized by zesty minerals and nicely framed by fine-grained tannins. Bri... more

($20) Ruby-red. Peppery redcurrant- and cherry-scented nose, complicated by notes of tobacco, gunflint and musky underbrush. Red fruit flavors are energized by zesty minerals and nicely framed by fine-grained tannins. Bright, linear and fresh on the impressively long finish. There's a very nice balance of energy, depth and sweetness here, and I suspect that this cabernet will repay another five or so years of cellaring.

95 points. Inky, opaque ruby. Huge, sexy bouquet of redcurrant, creme de cassis, fruitcake, candied licorice, exotic tobacco and dried flowers. This explodes on the palate, showing an array of concentrated, liqueur-like d... more

95 points. Inky, opaque ruby. Huge, sexy bouquet of redcurrant, creme de cassis, fruitcake, candied licorice, exotic tobacco and dried flowers. This explodes on the palate, showing an array of concentrated, liqueur-like dark berry flavors, cherry preserves, plums-name a dark fruit and it's in here. Suave oak spice adds complexity and sweetness (this was aged in 100% new, large Taransaud barrels). The dense fruit is surprisingly fresh and suave, with a lightness of touch that belies the outsized flavors. Finishes with very fine, sweet tannins. It's remarkable that a wine with this flavor profile can be so elegant.