2017 Tahbilk 'Old Vines' Cabernet - Shiraz 750ml

Established in 1860 Tahbilk is one of Australia’s most beautiful & historic wineries, located in the Nagambie Lakes region of Central Victoria and one of the nation’s premium viticultural areas. The vineyard comprises 200 hectares of vines including whites of Marsanne, Viognier and Roussanne; the reds – Shiraz, Grenache and Mourvedre as well as the traditional varieties. Tahbilk is further blessed with an abundance of “old vine” plantings including Shiraz from 1860, Cabernet Sauvignon back to 1949 and Marsanne from 1927. Tahbilk is the first Australian winery to be carboNZero certified at both an organisation and product level and one of only eight wineries in the world.

A robust and generous bouquet and palate speaks of dark berry and plum fruits with multilayered spice characters nestled in a supportive frame of firm grainy tannins enlivened by a fresh grape acidity.

More or less an even split and this has morphed into a harmonious wine. Expect dark sweet plums and cherries doused in cinnamon and star anise with some herbal tones. A savoury overlay, all earthy and ferrous with lovely, supple tannins. Drink to: 2032; Price: $46.00; Date Tasted: August 2020; Alcohol: 14.4%; Rating: 95 Points; Jane Faulkner; James Halliday Wine Companion

A traditional Australian red wine type, worthy of much admiration. Deeply-colou it has tons of appeal on the nose with plummy fruit aromas woven through with hints of mocha, subtle mint and minerally earth. It tastes smooth and succulent with the sort of perfect palate structure and depth that old vines provide. Ample tannins support a long, delicious aftertaste. Date Tasted: June 2020; Drink: 2020 to 2030; Price: $46.00; Alcohol: 14.5%; Rating: 95 Points; Ralph Kyte-Powell; The Real Review

Rustic charm in spades. An old school red done right. Scents of dark berries and ripe plums, cassis, Aussie bush and old campfire. Lovely stuff. The palate is rich and think, shaped with grippy, dusty tannins and finishes very long and palate staining, with more lingering, dusty spice. Rating: 95 Points; Mike Bennie | Wine Business Magazine