The Coppermine Road McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon

I had a few members of the Tasting Group crew join me in a sort of, "help me drink down my cellar" gathering. Everyone had an opportunity to dig through the cellar and select a bottle of their choosing; the identity of the wine was kept from everyone else and then presented double-blind though, since the bottles were being pulled from my cellar, it wasn't a true double-blind situation for me. This was poured into a decanter and served within two hours of opening. The wine poured a deep ruby color, slightly turbid with a nearly opaque core. On the nose, the wine bursting with dark-over-red fruits; black currants and black cherry along with tobacco, bell pepper, leather, coffee, and baking spices. On the palate, the wine was dry and the structure was, overall, quite firm. The fruit set was confirmed and while the wine came across as vinous and fully mature, there was a rather remarkable freshness about it...and almost ageless quality. The tannins and acid were so refreshing. And then there was the texture which, I have to say, was quite noble. It was really hard for me to get away from the Left Bank in Bordeaux, from a great, warmer vintage. The question was: St. Julien or Pauliiac. I called 2000 Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande. I don't hate my call. This was a banger and going back to my notes, I really liked it back then too! It's worth mentioning that the Stelvin enclosure is the real deal folks. This has aged beautifully and has years and years to go. I wish I had more. Alas, this was my last bottle.

Showing beautifully. Sanguine, gentle fruit and velvet tannins.

Possibly the best Australian cab I've tasted. Would never have guessed it to be Aussie, blind. No fruit bomb here. However, it's hugely concentrated. Blackberries, tobacco, cassis, some pomegranate. Still massively tannic at this stage; still a baby at ten years old. A serious zing of acidity. This baby has it all. Finish lasts for nearly minute. Our tenth Valentines Day.

Hmm corked or green or both. Too bad.

V05. Love it. Eucalyptus and cedar bouquet. Rich blackberry , currant and slight bell pepper fruit. Nice round, chalky, chewy finish.

Quintessential Australian Cabernet. Big, rich, muscular. Dense dark fruit with a chocolate undertone. Ripened blackberry. Terrific complexity. This 2005 vintage is right where we want it to be. We think, and we have been fortunate to taste every region over the last year, that this is a simple gorgeous McLaren Vale cab.

Delicious Cabernet Sauvignon with a creamy and long finish.

Really gives a true expression of McLaren Vale. Tells the difference between Barossa and McLaren Vale. Great to finally try as I've been holding onto this since 2008...and Im tired of moving it.

Beautiful wine, even for a cab lover.

The fruit is focused like a laser beam, rich black currant, blueberries with a hint of raspberries and dark chocolate. Impossible for someone not to like. 2005 is still fresh and alive.