Oakridge Single Vineyard Block 864 Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 [HH 98]

Huon Hooke, The Real Review, 98 points.

James Halliday Australian Wine Companion 97 points.

Fruit from a 1996-planted vineyard. Four weeks post-fermentation maceration, matured in French barriques (35% new) for 15 months. Virtually identical winemaking to the Original Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon but, as always, this is the denser, more powerful and structured wine. On the nose there's a core of perfectly ripened black fruits, crushed violets, dark chocolate and graphite. The medium bodied, firmly structured and persistent palate is equally good, and anyone fortunate enough to still have a bottle 10–15 years (if not longer) from now will be well rewarded. 97 points.

Philip Rich

Published 06 July 2023.

Fresh looking with a deep, dark ruby colour and light purple hues. Pure cabernet. Fresh and lifted with the classic aromas of cassis, blackberry, violets and a light leafiness. Digging deeper, black cherry, red raspberries and notes of light cedar and wet tobacco that all swirl around that core of ripe fruit. This is elegant, medium bodied with a lightness of touch. Soft, velvet like tannins with just enough pippy crunch and firmness are there to reign in those fruit flavours and provide a sense of refreshment. Plus there’s a herbal nod that champions this variety before the red fruited acidity stretches the wine to its ultimate conclusion. Classic Yarra Cabernet. Taught, fragrant, lip smacking and refreshing.