Found July 2011
What a treat this was, even if most in the room had no idea what they were trying. It was the after affair of my wine tasting duties of my annual Pine Island visit. We had just finished a 6 wine tasting of New Zealand (only 1) and Australia (5 wines) – of course, as expected, the reds were a big hit – Aussie’s big bold and recognizable flavours usually are. But for dinner I had brought a special bottle that I was looking forward to tasting, and it was this Southbrook number that was 9 years old. After the robustness of the Aussies this was a subtle experiment and most stayed with the knock-over-your-head with flavour of the Down Under Wines, which left more for me, and I could not be more thankful. The wine is at its peak (or maybe just slightly off peak) still holding on to fruit like cassis and sour cherry with vanilla wood backing. The palate is having a heyday with a touch of green pepper (so slight that it disappears with time - after 3 or 4 sips) giving way to a brilliant smoothness that is flavoured with cassis and vanilla-wooden notes. Deliciously amazing, smooth and easy sipping. If you have a bottle or two I suggest bringing some out, firing up the grill and matching it up with something medium-rare … I hope you too will be stunned. Lost & Found Rating: Treasure
