Pepper Tree Elderslee Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Wrattonbully, SA)
14.5%, Screwcap, $42
Source: Sample
www.peppertreewines.com.au

I opened this blind with a brace of Cabernets and didn’t care for it much at all – it looked hard, minty and little fun. Was surprised when it was unveiled. Popped it back into the fridge hoping that a butterfly would come out. Day 2 and no butterflies but at least a more attractive looking caterpillar and early signs of a cocoon (or in other words, this needs time).

Mint and eucalpyt nose – very regional, though perhaps a little too eucalypty/green bean, which is unusual as the rest of the form here indicates a ripe year wine, replete with some dried fruit characters through the middle. What doesn’t quite resolve is the (added) acidity which is very firm and the drying tannins, all of which makes this a tad aggressive.

A minty, structure led red, this certainly has some promise but isn’t all that flattering. Perhaps worth a relook with more bottle age, though I didn’t enjoy it much now.

Drink: 2014-2020+
Score: 16.5/20 88/100+
Would I buy it? Not at the moment.