Balgownie Estate 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon Oct 04

This was one of the best wines tasted during my visit to the Yarra Bloody Valley cellar doors. An attractive nose with fruit driven Cabernet characteristics which are well supported by obvious but controlled oak. A well built and structured wine, the smooth, fine, dusty, drying tannins produce a solid backbone with the added benefit of a firm but supple consistency. Obvious, strong fruit is very ripe and almost has a touch of burnt character but it is far from dead. Blackcurrant, lot'sa plum, a touch of blackberry, cheery and mint are a hedonists delight as the mouth fell is good, and the wine finishes with excellent length and persistence. It is muscular in weight and has a well developed complexity. Rated as Highly Recommended with **** for value, its ok now but in time (2009+) should become seamless.