2018 Quintet Cabernet Sauvignon

2018 summer was a warm season that was high yielding, so fruit dropping was essential in order to maintain balance in the finished wines. Here, the 2018 Quintet has been in bottle for three plus years and is perfectly sure about it's savory fruits on display. It has redcurrant more than cherry/pomegranate, with layers of tobacco, star anise, five spice and a hint of sumac. And the tannins perform in a way not unlike the folds on the underside of a mushroom—impossibly fine, ordered and detailed. 13% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.

Shimmering ruby-red. Intensely perfumed red fruit preserve, incense notes lift from the glass. Palate-staining, finely etched red and blue fruit, rose pastille, licorice and espresso flavors deftly blend depth and vivacity. Finishes youthfully chewy and precise, with steadily building tannins, resonating red fruit, spice and floral notes and remarkable persistence.

This is a great edition of this standard bearer for elegant Yarra Valley claret. The nose is detailed and fresh with a central theme of red and dark berries, cedar, cocoa powder, violet-like florals and light leafy notes. The palate has such expressiveness with impressively vibrant red cherries, plums and berries, all in unison with faultlessly fine, long and seamless tannins. This is delicious now and will age so well. The greatest Quintet ever? Certainly in my lifetime! Drink or hold.