Mandala Cabernet 2011

Mandala Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (Yarra Valley, Vic)
13%, Screwcap, $28
Source: Sample

www.mandalawines.com.au

A triumph in context of the vintage, this is undoubtedly a cool year wine, driven by lightly herbal pencil shavings aromatics and tobacco. Yet the palate is disarmingly juicy, giving this weight and drive, even if I think that oak is driving that mid-palate. On the whole surprisingly ripe and easy, if a bit raw and acidic through the finish. Overall impression is quality winemaking in a crap year (for reds at least).

Drink: 2013-2020
Score: 16.5/20, 88/100
Would I buy it? Not quite, but might look pretty nice with another few years bottle age.

Andrew Graham Avatar

Andrew Graham was once voted the 23rd most trusted wine critic on the planet. A WCA Journalism Young Gun now old hack with 25yrs as a buyer, judge, journalist, marketer and too much more.

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