Marquee 2002 Hunter Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Aug 2003

Marquee is a new company which is exporting a limited range of Australian produced wines (some from recognised names) to selected US markets under their own Marquee label. From information supplied this is one of their higher class wines and it is made by Rothvale Vineyards.

The aroma is fairly tight and unyielding but does show coffee over attractive fruit. Ample in weight, slightly dusty tannins are tight and fine grained; the fruit has more than enough stuffing to manage the task and the acid is unobtrusive but there. Despite its youth, it’s drinking amazingly well now but will benefit from time in the bottle.

The layered complex flavour profile is unusual for a Cabernet Sauvignon showing a fairly intense (ripe) green tobacco character that underpins the palate flavours but there is abundant coffee, black fruit flavours, subtle milk chocolate and deeply seated plum flavours as well. These flavours fill the mouth and finish long. Many people will find this wine very attractive and highly drinkable; it's rated as Recommended now, the rating should improve as the wine has a bit of time to age. After I had completed this tasting note I drank a glass with dinner and it was much improved by the food.