Blue Poles Merlot Cabernet Franc 2004 Friday, Mar 31 2006
Tasting Notes and Australia and Margaret River and Variety and Red and merlot et al
You don’t see many Merlot/Cabernet Franc blends. Wantirna Estate do one called the “Hannah”, and that is the only other one I can think of.
The nose is very pleasant, strikingly so – red currants, morello cherries, raspberries and some leaf. The palate is elegance – medium bodied with red cherries and red currants, ripe fine tannins and a fair old swag of acid. The length is good too.
Now please don’t open this and drink it straight away, because it needs a good decant to build some weight and muscle, otherwise the acid will dominant. It should also take a bit of cellaring.
Rated : 88 Points
Tasted : Mar06
Alcohol : 13.5%
Price : $22
Closure : Screwcap
Drink : 2008 - 2011
Source : Winery Sample
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March 31st, 2006 at 11:14 am| Quote |
I also dig Merlot/Franc blends and which there were more. Terra Andina does one from Chile that sound a bit like this one (about $17 in Canada). I agree that they are better suited to food due to their descent inherent acidity. I also like like how they smell of something other than chocolate and cassis. It’s tough to mask the vegetal cab franc nose and Chile has a good propensity towards producing that.
out.
Matt
March 31st, 2006 at 11:51 am| Quote |
The Sophia from Craggy Range is a Merlot/CF Blend. Australiasian anyway.
Lovely wine this - just the acidity is the achillies but lots is better than none.
GW
October 20th, 2006 at 5:15 pm| Quote |
Gary, I could not detect much acid. My first thought when tasting this was actually “watery” (this is not necessarily a bad thing, however). Further, I could not pick up anything on the nose (but that may just be my limited smelling skills). I did detect a caramel undertone on the palate, and fine tannins as you noted.
Overall I did enjoy this wine and was pleased with my purchase.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:18 pm| Quote |
I didn’t get any acid either, nor can I get any of the rasberries or cherries on the nose, but certainly the leaf.
Initially struck me as sweet, then mildly sour on the back. Distinct tart, cranberry taste.
Certainly a different wine, but a very pleasant one at that.
October 20th, 2006 at 5:21 pm| Quote |
This is Lincoln’s note! Mine is here (not that it differs). I have the 2005 on the way which is supposed to be very good.
GW