Gartner Family 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon Dec 04

I first found this winery almost four years ago on a trip to Coonawarra. They had big plans for the place and the wine at CD was impressive, I bought six and this is the first one I have opened.

The bouquet was attractively dominated by clean menthol, cool mint and warm blackcurrant fruit with a touch of mushroom. The "green" (not unripe) aspects flow through on the palate with a solid stream of menthol and mint, a touch of herbaceous character and blackberry together with black pepper on the finish. Weight is ample and the tannins have softened and are integrating well but the backbone is solid and it will hold together for some years. Indeed, it is probably about another year or so off its peak. An interesting wine, it is rated as Highly Recommended (just).