Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

December 30, 2013

Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (Coonawarra, SA)
14%, Screwcap, $28.95
Source: Sample
www.zema.com.au

I’ve been a little lazy on the tasting notes over the past fortnight, purely as the beach and beer has beckoned loudly…

Anyway, I opened this Cabernet up in a blind lineup and thought it stood out as a welcome return to the more classic Zema mode – which means rather less ripe than the last couple of vintages.

It’s still a slow-burner though, the nose all dusty Coonawarra cassis and a little cedar. Mid-weight, but still quite curranty and fleshy, the palate driven bulky tannins and quite firm extraction.

Firm, dry and ageworthy, there is plenty of ‘solidness’ about this Zema Cab, even if its a bit raw edged.

Drink: 2014-2020
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100
Would I buy it? Hmm. Not at the moment. Give it five years though?

2010, Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra, Wine

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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2 responses to “Zema Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010”

chris

August 13, 2021 at 7:40 pm

Andrew, went looking on Google and yours popped up first. Just had this tonight and loved it. Really loved it maybe after a few average ones recently. This one brought the honesty up a bit. Well, you would expect that from the king of The grapes wouldn’t you? It’s different to your tasting 8 years ago but nostalgia is wonderful. How much do these wines ‘change’ in a decade. Have you done the test as it were, having a cork version if it exists and compare it with a stelvin or such? I do not think I have ever read your thoughts on this, or your ‘experiment’ as such. I could be wrong. So what does the 2010 taste to me?

Well, as I read the stuff above I just think that you nail it with the minimal words. I have mentioned this recently as you know that of all the critics out there, dozens, you for me tell it best, most truthfully. I actually ‘ taste’ what you say. Less ripe – probably like the 2008. This is less sweet. The nose – less dusty. Yep, it’s blended in so i can imagine 8 years ago. A new baby, just getting out. Good oak. Mid weight-but still curranty and fleshy. Andrew i get this. It is mid weight yet powerful. Curranty still persists. In my ‘wine-loving’ style, i like two things, body and fruit. This gets both. body enough, and the currants still exist. and they are good. You nailed that.
the palate driven bulky tannins have diminished since you wrote them, but they ever so linger in the finish. The damn thing would not have tasted so good without a few things going for it.

I gave it five years…you are what you are, a great peoples reviewer. i gave it 9 to 10.

you nailed it Andrew. well done.

chris

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Andrew Graham

August 13, 2021 at 7:54 pm

Glad to hear it’s looking good. Zema’s reds always need patience (which is hard when I’m tasting them in absolute youth)!

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