2021 Majella Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon

A success story of long term agricultural diversification, the Majella property was originally owned by Frank Lynn, and bought in 1960 by his nephew, George, for a prime lamb enterprise. Viticulture was not on the agenda until 1968, when George, encouraged by his friend, Eric Brand (of Brand's Laira fame) decided it would complement the sheep. Eric purchased the fruit for Hardy's, but the deal later fell through and for a couple of vintages tonnes of premium grapes were left to rot. The risk ultimately paid off. Majella have since had a long term contract supplying Wynns and today, plantings have continued to expand (150 acres now under vine), with Cabernet the flagship varietal. First produced in 1994, Majella Cabernet Sauvignon has quickly established a reputation as one of Coonawarra’s best.
The 2021 Coonawarra vintage was excellent in both terms of quality and yields. Maturation took place in a mix of new and second use French oak hogsheads for a period of 18 months.

Layered with a rich chorus of red to black currant fruit this is a beautifully refined and polished Coonawarra Cabernet.

Magnificent depth of colour featuring a super saturated inky black heart and a very deep black dark red hue. Intense ripe blackcurrant aromas flood the nostrils with some liquorice, mulberry, vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco and bay leaf accents also chiming in. Beautifully refined yet concentrated the mid weighted palate is layered with a rich chorus of red to black currant, mulberry and red liquorice fruits. Spicy vanillin cedar, subtle earthy tobacco and infusions of bay leaf ensue. Showing a delighted red fruited freshness, it possesses a fine grained tannin structure and an elegant, polished feel. Concludes long and highly finessed.
Drink over next 6-8 years.
Alc. 14.5%

Other Reviews….
Black raspberry, red cherry and pomegranate. Burdock root, crushed cumin and pulled paperbark stripped from the tree. Nutmeg and cinnamon. Fresh bay leaf, oregano and pepperberry. The silkiest of palates with ripe red fruit flowing down the centre, wrapped in cabernet berries that weave in and out. A mocha coffee and carob sweetness with a touch of anise and tobacco pouch. Such a grateful palate – it's a dream of a vintage, this one. Drink by 2032.
95 points
Shanteh Wale – James Halliday’s Australian Wine Companion