2019 Quantum Bin 98

The 2019 Quantum Bin 98, a richly endowed and thoroughbred blend of Cabernet Sauvignon from California and South Australia, is classic in every way. It's an iron fist in a velvet globe with its decadent blackcurrant, licorice and chocolate aromas. It has a strong, sweet backbone of oak. All the pieces are in unison. A striking palate, with powerful fruit and rich tannins, drives a full-throttle but beautifully balanced package through to a long, energetic and gravelly finish.

‘Wine of the world’ says the label – Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley with 8–10% Shiraz from South Australia. Napa Valley enjoyed good winter rainfall and spring was cooler and wetter than recent years, resulting in a two-week delay to budburst and flowering. Harvest was one to two weeks later than usual with yields close to long-term average. Cool conditions in South Australia slowed vine growth in early spring. Late budburst, flowering and veraison delayed the start of harvest but the prevailing autumnal conditions reportedly favoured fully ripened grapes. Aged for 16 months in American oak (80% new) and French oak (20% new) barriques. TA 6.53 g/l, pH 3.73. American oak to the fore in this California/Australia blend (why?). Very deep purple. Very much more Australian than Napa! Rich and round to begin with and yet followed by a certain leatheriness of texture. Clean finish and I really do feel as though my palate has been rinsed! Not that long but well balanced and already offering some pleasure. (JR)

South Australian and Napa fruit. A large-framed salubrious wine, reminding me of the sort of thing airlines should pour at the pointy end of the plane: impactful, with an emphasis on the fruit. Coffee-bean American oak nuances drift to a sweet, sappy finishing oozing creme de cassis, raspberry bon bon, boozy dried fruits, milk chocolate and licorice strap. A long finish driven by force of personality over freshness. A powerful, chunky sort of thing. A crowd pleaser. Drink or hold.