The odd one out? St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz 2013

St Hugo Cabernet Shiraz 2013

Curiously, this is a very different beast to the straight Cabernet Sauvignon. This is seriously eucalypt-y for a start. Just jumps out and tackles you. Didn’t spot that in the Cab. Nowhere near as ripe and luscious as the Shiraz, either. The odd one out of the trio?

This is sourced from Coonawarra fruit (the middle of the strip) apparently and the rest from the Barossa Valley (so no Eden fruit). Matured in 62% new French, 18% new American and the rest older oak hogsheads for 20 months. Numbers: TA 6.2g/L, pH 3.6.

Can’t hide that eucalypt. Cassis in there too, plus a little vanilla. Structure first, however, with tannins woven through the palate. Long term style, no doubt, but it doesn’t appeal much right now. Indeed it’s quite dour, dry and minty.

Will it come around? Maybe. Not much fun for the moment, but lots of potential. Best drinking: 2020-2030. 17/20, 90/100+. 14.5%, $54.99. Would I buy it? Not for now.