2014 Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Certified biodynamic. 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Malbec. 18 months in French oak, of which 69% was new . Tasted blind. Very concentrated crimson. Sweet and ripe. Luscious with mild graphite underneath all that opulence. Pretty marked dry tannins on the end so perhaps a modern bordeaux but sweeter on the end than say Domaine de Chevalier. (JR)

(69 percent new French oak) Youthful violet. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet displays smoke-accented cherry liqueur, cassis, vanilla, pipe tobacco and incense aromas and a sexy Moroccan spice overtone. Sweet and lively on the palate, offering concentrated dark fruit, floral pastille, chewing tobacco and mint flavors that deepen and pick up a hint of cola with aeration. Seamless, focused and lithe for its depth, finishing very long and spicy, with building florality and fine-grained tannins lending gentle grip.

89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Malbec. Deep crimson. There's a very light leafy note that reminds you you are in Margaret River but the overriding impression is cassis purity – fruit and leaf. Succulent and dry in texture at the same time. Refined and elegant. The tannins are felt on the finish at this stage but no heat or aggression. Great harmony. (JH)