Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Yarra Valley, Vic)
13%, Screwcap, $28
Source: Sample
www.mandalawines.com.au
A triumph in context of the vintage, this is undoubtedly a cool year wine, driven by lightly herbal pencil shavings aromatics and tobacco. Yet the palate is disarmingly juicy, giving this weight and drive, even if I think that oak is driving that mid-palate. On the whole surprisingly ripe and easy, if a bit raw and acidic through the finish. Overall impression is quality winemaking in a crap year (for reds at least).
Drink: 2013-2020
Score: 16.5/20, 88/100
Would I buy it? Not quite, but might look pretty nice with another few years bottle age.
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