Jacobs Creek St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004

Jacobs Creek St Hugo Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Coonawarra, SA) Cork, $40

The question has to be – does the addition of ‘Jacobs Creek’ do anything for this label? I’d argue that it does nothing for Jacobs Creek (by tacking on a label in the portfolio) or the St Hugo label, especially given Jacobs Creek’s reputation for cheap wine (a perception they will struggle to ever shake). I’d also argue that few consumers would recognise or associate this with Jacobs Creek anyway: It is still an Orlando product in most minds.
The Pernod Ricard marketing department certainly have some work to do.

Correct mid red in colour, the nose is classic leafy Cabernet – herbaceous blackberry, cassis, a dash of mint & some more red berry. On the palate it is more of the same – leafy minty Cabernet, with an initial dryness that lingers through the whole palate, finishing with high acid and some slightly unripe tannins. Its an austere, cellaring style of Cabernet that straddles the edge between unripeness and classic leafy Cabernet style. Needs another 5 years in bottle regardless. I think my score here is a little generous for immediate drinking – its just that tad austere. But, the future should be kind to this one. 17+