Worldwide there are apparently 341,000 hectares planted with Cabernet Sauvignon.  In Australia there are approximately 25,000 hectares of vines.  Clearly, when it comes to both of these figures, I have only tasted the tip of the Cabernet Sauvignon wine iceberg, around the world and, more so, in Australia.  I need to lift my game!

I couldn’t find out how many hectares there are in Mudgee, but it appears to be the most favoured variety, so I assume, the most planted.  I’ve been lucky enough to try a few over the last couple of years and there’s some impressive buggers coming out of the area.  I can see why they proudly put the ‘Mudgee’ stamp on the front label.

It’s a terrific colour this wine but then I took in the aromas.  It smells rich, robust, juicy and delicious.  It got me grinning.

Still plenty of fruit in this four year old, full bodied, Mudgee Cabernet.  Blackberries and blackcurrants play a major part in the flavour arena (gee these flavours turn up a lot in a the wines I’ve been lucky enough to try lately. It seems to be a full time job for them!).

Delicate herbs (those dried ones in a jar that everyone has in their pantry) are in and about as well and there’s a slight Chocolately note I liked too.

Drying tannins are present but by no means offensive. They add the ‘potential-to-age’ factor in a nice supportive role.

A good long finish is helped along by the abundant fruit which brings it home nicely.  This goes very well it has to be said.

Region: Mudgee, NSW     Price: $35     Source: Sample courtesy of Gartelmann Wines and Define Wine

Gartelmann Website