Brokenwood 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Oct 04

I should disclose on this, the first of the TN's on the Brokenwood's that I have not particularly liked the style of their range for many years but in the interests of fairness, tried to put my prejudice behind me and access the wines with an open mind. All the Brokenwood wines are now sealed in ROTE's.

Not a good start, one sniff and oh, "hot excrement!" the nose reeked of chary oak and that's exactly why I dislike this brand. Despite that, the tannins are smooth, the balanced acid is youthful and the fruit pure and obvious; it is well structured provided you don't mind toasty oak. This shows up as heavy toast over clean fruit of blackcurrant, mint and coffee that finishes with good persistence. Muscular in weight, it is a solid wine and rated as Recommended with *** for value.