Ranked #1 of 39 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra
96/100
5 Stars
Huon Hooke
The colour is very deep and dark, with a trace of purple. The bouquet is rich and firm and young, with bright fruit and a rich, dense palate structure. Concentrated and powerful, with superb balance and liveliness, all well preserved by the screwcap for the first time. A faint trace of bitterness on the aftertaste does it no harm. A tremendous wine with a huge future.
Tasted: 13/07/2017
Drink: 2017 to 2037
95 Points James Halliday
Bright red-purple; a striking and fragrant bouquet, with blackcurrant, earth and cedar aromas; the palate moves onto a different plane, with considerable tannin-derived structure that has an earthy/savoury regional profile; serious wine. Drink to 2016.
James Halliday. June, 2021
94 Points nicholas.enge_19549
A top notch Black Label. I'm hesitant to draw this parallel on a wine site, but it came to mind, so why not.... each tasting of a modern Black Label is a similar happy experience to hearing an old favourite AC/DC song for the first time in a few years, in that part of both their greatness derives from their utter inevitability. You know what's coming and, when it comes, it's always great. In the case of an AC/DC song, it always starts with a riff, gets heavier, then screeched absurd vocals kick in, repeat a few times, then guitar solo, then frenzied finish that finishes with a whack. As for the Black Label.... Mostly cassis and mint on the nose. Rich red and black fruits in the mouth, slightly earthy. Firm tannin structure, nicely judged acidity. Lingering savoury finish. Still young, a few years short of showing at its best. Give it an hour or two of air if you're drinking now. As I said, top notch. I'm happy to have a few of these cellared, as it's travelling well, and my 2006 vintage son should be able to enjoy them after he passes legal drinking age, assuming that I have the self control to save him a couple. (Hat tip to www.nme.com for some of the words about AC/DC) Cellar for at least 5 years
September, 2011