2013 Diana Madeline Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Diana Madeline is restrained, contained and compact, with a splay of neat tannins that create order and shape in the mouth, which has notes of cassis and graphite, asphalt and a hint of petrichor, raspberry pip and brine. Everything is good and smart here—the wine looks incredibly fresh at almost 12 years from harvest, a testament to the warm growing season that was. This Diana has any years to go—20 years is a safe and conservative estimate. 12.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc. Mid crimson with real shading. Pure, fragrant, unforced. Beautiful balance. Like a gentle kiss on the palate. Bone dry. Nothing added. Pure and unadorned. Purer than your average red bordeaux! Lovely lift. (JR)
Cooked, dark black cherries. Glossy and violet-scented. Impressively tenacious fruit with loads of intensity. Finishes fairly abruptly but certainly has the power of fruit to develop for a good few years more. (RH)
Bright purple. Primary, very ripe scents of black and blue fruits, dark chocolate and pipe tobacco, with floral and mineral nuances adding complexity. Smooth, weighty and alluringly sweet, with its intense cassis and singed plum flavors sharpened and given a spicy edge by a suggestion of cracked pepper. Sweet vanilla and mocha qualities build on the impressively long, gently tannic finish of this lush, seamless blend.