Cascabel Graciano 2012 (McLaren Vale, SA)
14%. Screwcap, $50
Source: Sample
www.cascabelwinery.com.au

Cacabel has built up quite a suite of ‘Mediterranean’ varieties in recent years, with Tempranillo the particular focus. This Graciano is pretty promising too, carrying all of the deep blackness of Spanish Graciano, yet with a more typical Vale mid-palate generosity.

It’s certainly an inky beast this, the 100% new wood giving a milk chocolate touchup that is at once comforting but also a little distracting. Underneath the palate is mid weight and quite warm with boozya Vale Grenache-like confection hint before fanning out into black fruit thickness.

A big and warm sort of a red but without the heaviness of some Vale styles, this is certainly interesting, if just needing a little more detail to be truly convincing. Plenty of pleasure and promise though.

Drink: 2014-2020
Score: 17/20, 90/100+
Would I buy it? With a few more years under its belt I’d definitely like another look.