Zema Estate Family Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Tasting Notes

I came across this wine courtesy of the enthusiastic and knowledgeable guys at the Naremburn 1st Choice Liquor Store. If you are in the area pop in and ask for Alex or Andrew. These guys don't just sell wine - they live it; and they know most of the wines first hand. You might even catch me in there on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday.

Having said all that, you will need to move fast as the 04's are nearly gone; the 2005 will be released in August and will carry with it a whopping 15.5% alcohol that may pose some questions.The 2004 is 14.5% and spends 2 years in small French oak, it's now at its peak but could live another 5 to 10 years in your cellar. It comes of course from the very heart of the Terra Rossa soil of Coonawarra.

Colour is deep, dark red/crimson. The nose has blackcurrant and exotic spices with some lovely cedary oak. Earlier reviews commented about oak prominence, however I think now at 5 years in the bottle the fruit is eating it up beautifully.

The palate is rich, appealing, luscious and developed, medium to full bodied, with blackcurrant and cassis; this all encased in a web of superfine tannins and French oak. Here the fruit, acid, tannin and oak balance is now a Masterclass in four-part harmony. The finish is luxurious, long and satisfying that leaves you asking - 'where is my next glass?' Alas there is no more!

We tried the wine with a herb and garlic encrusted butterfly leg of lamb with roast seasonal vegetables and gravy. In truth the food was entirely incidental to the wine - a standout.