Summerfield 2003 Reserve Cabernet Shiraz April 05

A 50/50 blend; the winery did not produce a Reserve Cabernet in 2003 and blended the limited Cabernet in with some Shiraz. I tried this briefly at Wine Australian and was impressed by it, and was looking forward to assessing it at my leisure. Even after a few hours in the glass, the bouquet was still trying to hide its charms; clove was easily discernible and the dominant scent, but there were so much more; hints of pepper, sweaty socks and blackberry were evident. An incredibly youthful full-bodied wine that is way too young to be drunk, it shows impressive balance and authoritative construction. Super-smooth tannins provide a supple mouth feel and a rock-solid backbone; the deeply-seated fruit surfs along on top of the tannins, on a long ride, until the wave of flavour breaks over the tonsils and bobs around the mouth waiting for the next wave to roll in. Clove, plum, blackberry, dark chocolate and multiplicity of other flavours provide excellent complexity. Rated as Excellent with *** for value.