Above average 2021 winter rainfall helped to refill soil profiles and the cool, slow start to the growing season resulted in budburst occurring slightly later than average. A frost event occurred on 11 October, followed by an extreme hail event on 28 October, and the cold and wet weather in mid-November coincided with flowering, which impacted fruit-set and potential yields.
Very good colour with a rim of purple, the bouquet reserved and showing cold-meat, black-olive, pencil-shavings and smoky characters, the palate full bodied and dense with fleshy texture and tightly packed tannins. Good concentration, depth and structure. Long finish. A serious cabernet. It's a little subdued at this moment, but 'came up' with airing in the glass and made a super-delicious drink. Lovely now, and patience will be rewarded. - 96 points, Huon Hooke
