1999 Ashton Hills Obliqua - Adelaide Hills
Cabernet sauvignon / merlot / cabernet franc
14% abv - Cork.
Appearance: Brilliant deep red – hint of flame to the hue. 3/3
Nose: Very “Bordeaux-like”, aromas of pencil sharpenings and tobacco nestle in with sweet blackcurrant/redcurrant fruit and a hint of menthol. Reasonably intense, elegant nose. 5.5/7
Palate: Savoury, dry, lean and elegant. Nicely balanced acid/tannin and the oak is fully integrated. Plenty of blackcurrant again, with mint and plum stone flavours. The finish is long and cleansing. Will go well with food. No further improvement from this wine. Drink now with lamb shanks. 7.5/10
Score 16/20
No longer a label for Ashton Hills - I believe 2000 was the last vintage before Stephen George pulled out his cabernet vines (not the easiest to ripen at Ashton - the coolest part of the Adelaide Hills). 1999 provided a warm ripening season and this was my last bottle.
Seek out Ashton Hills riesling, chardonnay and particularly pinot noir for exemplary varietal definition and great flavour intensity.
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