I feel like a broken record, but this Blue Pyrenees Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 is another gruff and robust Cabernet.
The pick of the estate range, which is full of gruff reds. Plenty of flavour though, plus mint, firm acidity and sticky tannins. It’s so regional, uncompromising, and serious for a sub $30 red. It’s ok. Best drinking: now and for years yet. It will live. 17/20, 90/100. 13.5%, $28. Blue Pyrenees website. Would I buy it? A glass.
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.
Hi Andrew, what’s your overall take on the Pyrenees region and its future? I remember reading your post on he 2009 Sally’s Paddock being a victim of the dry years. Although I was glad to see their recent vintages much more fruity and lush. But across the region, the dry tannins and minty/eucalypt vibe is prominent. Regional yes, but they do tend to be a little gruff – good word! I really like what Owen Latta is doing…
(btw, thanks for all your posts – I dip into your reviews every now again for great, honest appraisals – and humour! I’ll make sure to donate, probably owe you a bit…)
Pyrenees will always have challenges with drought, and it’s not going to change given limited irrigation access.
For mine, the challenge has been about approach though – a region built on old school Cabernet, and has lacked some innovative winemakers challenging the status quo. It’s changing though – the new Taltarni range is MUCH better, for example.
Will be interesting what happens at Dalwhinnie now with the Fogarty’s taking over. Potential +.
Cool – thanks for your insights.
I’ll have to visit Taltarni again, it must have been two decades. I actually loved Dalwhinnie’s cabernets and shiraz, so if you have even more optimism about new owners, that’s amazing!
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