JM 1ST APPROACH

Cabernet sauvignon has long been recognized as an excellent variety in our district. The addition of malbec adds to the complexity of the palate. Twenty-four months in French oak provides spice and balance to this style, which is dominated by violet, fresh blackcurrant and oak aromas and flavours. This wine is full-bodied and has not been cold stabilized, so a harmless crust may form with time. Cellaring potential is at least 10 years in good conditions. The wine has been sealed with screwcaps to ensure freshness and authenticity.

Malbec isn't the grape the Australians pay much attention to except in the Clare Valley, where it has a long and honourable pedigree. Tim adams has crafted a wine both powerful and beautiful dense yet scented Cabernet blackcurrant and black plum cosying up to Malbec damson skins, and both of these luxuriating in the mild toastiness of brioche as well as feeling the grainy dryness of stones and bleached herbs. And over everything floats a kind of blue haze of autumn-ripened fruit. Oz Clarke