2005 Branson Coach House Rare Coach House Block Cabernet Sauvignon

Totally opaque inky black dark red colour with a very deep dark red hue. Heady aromas of black plum, cassis and dark chocolate are followed by vanillin oak, dried raisins and spice. Weighing in at a hefty 18% alcohol the palate is as huge as anticipated delivering an opulent super concentrated flavour profile of black plum, cassis and chocolate bullets over a background of vanillin oak, dried raisins and spice. It lacks varietal character but will be suited to those who like their reds at the very big end of town. There’s some heat on the finish. Velvet smooth tannins with a long black plum, liquorice, dark chocolate, vanillin oak and spicy raisins aftertaste. An Amarone styled Cabernet with a high octane kick at the finish.
Drink over the next 3-4 years.
Alc 18%

Other Reviews….
Say what you will about a Cabernet Sauvignon with 18% alcohol, ultimately it is balance that counts. The fruit is sourced from the Greenock region of the Barossa, one of the Valley’s premier terroirs, and the 2005 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Opaque purple-colored, it offers an Amarone-like perfume along with smoky oak (100% new Taransaud oak was used), scorched earth, licorice, cassis, black currants, and blackberry liqueur. Huge and super-rich as well as velvety-textured, this is a true “seat-belt” wine in which notes of chocolate intermingle with spicy black fruits. It is, without doubt, a unique expression.
98 points
Jay Miller – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate