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Buy OnlineWinery notes (2021 Vintage)
"We noted in our production comments the Ribbon Vale 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon is now dominated by the Houghton clone and this makes it quite different from previous vintages. This immediately evident on the nose, which displays the classic Houghton fruit aromas of blueberries and violets and these combine with blackberry, raspberry and a bit of plum, courtesy of the Malbec. Sitting beneath the floral array are Cabernet’s usual complex notes cedar, tobacco and tar and some light, toasty oak.
The theme of the vintage continues here and it is immediately obvious the addition of the Houghton clone has changed the style. The wine now presents generous flavours of red current, blueberry and boysenberry, which are bright and generous, making the wine long and round. The acidity is still fresh and the tannins firm but the balance is excellent. The wine finishes with some soft oak notes."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"A wonderful rendition of the variety, it's elegantly perfumed on the nose with dark plum, dried herb, cedar and mixed spice aromas, followed by a beautifully rounded palate offering pristine fruit flavours with spicy nuances. It's finely flowing and structured with layers of polished tannins, finishing persistent and sturdy. At its best: 2025 to 2039."
93/100 Gary Walsh, The Wine Front, November 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Red and black fruits, cedar, some dried flowers and mint, blonde tobacco. It’s medium-bodied with an understated claret-like charm, and don’t mind me, but there’s a distinct flavour of honey glazed ham in the mix, along with tobacco and dried herbs. The tannin offers a light grainy grip, and the finish is all red fruit and olives in brine. Nice."
93/100 Jane Faulkner, James Halliday's Wine Companion, August 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"An elegant and immediately appealing Ribbon Vale offering a light spray of red fruits, leafy freshness, Moroccan mint, tobacco and cedary oak. It’s medium bodied with supple yet restrained tannins, pops of sweet fruit across the palate and fine acidity keeping this light on its feet."
93/100 Huon Hooke, The Real Review, February 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Medium-deep red-purple with a briary, tomato-bush and angelica bouquet, the palate medium-full bodied and lively, intense, fine and focused, with bright and attractive cabernet cassis/raspberry fruit backed by fine, persuasive yet supple tannins. Fine, elegant cabernet, worth cellar space. "
92/100 Cassandra Charlick, Decanter, June 2024 (2021 Vintage)
"Ripe fruit. Nose is resplendent with mulberry, cassis, dried florals, sappy hints, green peppercorn, black earth and nori flecks. Supple, energetic palate follows the nose, with a jumble of red fruits and graphite. Fine, firm tannins and fresh acidity, the union of the two producing an energetic and elegant wine."
